Hawkeye Fan Shop — A Black & Gold Store | 24 Hawkeyes to Watch 2017-18
IOWA CITY, Iowa — Senior Raymund Clarke is a hurdler and sprinter for the University of Iowa track & field team. Clarke ran his personal best 400 hurdles at the 2018 NCAA West Preliminary (May 26) in 51.28, and placed sixth in the same event at the 2018 Big Ten Championships.
What are you most excited for this year as a Hawkeye?
“Meeting new teammates and creating stronger bonds with the teammates I knew from last year.”
What are you wanting to achieve this season (personally and as a team)?
“[Personal records] in every event I compete in, as well as a team title this year.”
What is your favorite memory as a Hawkeye?
“Big Ten outdoor last year. I wasn’t predicted to make the 400-hurdle final last year, and I had not qualified to run at regionals, yet. Leaving the meet, I finished sixth and earned my spot to run at the regional meet after running back to back [personal records].”
What is your best advice for the freshmen?
“Stay on top of your game, and never settle for less. If you have a goal you want to achieve, the only way you’re going achieve it is by working hard and staying consistent. As well as taking care of your body.”
What is the best advice you’ve ever received from a coach?
“I would have to say [Coach Jason] Wakenight’s little saying of ‘send it.’ He used to say this to me when hurdling, because in the beginning of the season, due to a prior injury, I was having a tough time getting back into the rhythm of hurdling, and hearing that always made me just forget whatever was on my mind and allowed me to hurdle to the best of my ability.”
What made you choose to come to Iowa?
“I was a transfer from Houston, so what made me choose Iowa was definitely the amazing facilities, as well as the amazing athletic training staff that we have because staying healthy was the main priority for me transferring, having a long history of reoccurring injuries.”
Who has been the most influential to you at Iowa? Why?
“Wakenight, most definitely. He always believed in what I was capable of doing, even when I didn’t and always kept me in high hopes.”
If not track & field, what sport would you play?
“Football, since that was the only other sport I played in high school.”
What is one thing people don’t know about you?
“My whole family is from Jamaica.”
When you’re not practicing, what is your favorite thing to do?
“Sleep, watch Netflix, or catch ‘dubs’ on Fortnite.”
What’s something you’ve always wanted to try but have been too scared to?
“Bungee jumping or skydiving.”
How do you feel about pineapple on pizza?
“Pineapples are not meant for pizza. If you like pineapple pizza, we cannot be friends.”
What is your favorite meal?
“Ox tail, rice and peas, with plantains and sweet potatoes.”
