The University of Mississippi Athletics
BHM Q&A: James Burnett
2/2/2021 | Track and Field, Student-Athlete Development, Social Responsibility & Engagement
In honor of Black History Month, Ole Miss Athletics will highlight several current and former Black student-athletes and administrators throughout the month of February. Honored today is Ole Miss track & field senior sprinter and Oxford native, James Burnett.
James Burnett • Senior • Track & Field • Oxford, Miss.
Q: What is your inspiration?
"My family. Ever since I first started running they've always supported me every step of the way."
Q: What do you think is the most important thing young athletes should know about competing and being a student-athlete?
"They should know that it is important to keep your grades up more than anything. They should also know that it is going to be a lot of hard work with school schedules on top of training."
Q: What do you see as the most rewarding aspect of competing in your sport?
"The most rewarding thing to me is being able to be a positive influence in my family and community. Growing up here in Oxford and now running at Ole Miss has made a lot of people proud."
Q: We have seen a continued push for increased representation in collegiate athletics. Why do you believe it is important that there is diversity across all levels in collegiate athletics?
"Diversity in collegiate athletics is important because having people from all walks of life and cultural backgrounds can really put things into perspective. I've learned so much from some of my teammates and have made life long friends in the process."
Q: Who is one person that has been instrumental to your growth?
"One person that I can say has been a mentor to me on and off the track is Chris Bush, my high school track coach."
Quick Facts
Favorite sport to watch?
Basketball
What do you prefer to do in your free time?
Hang with friends, play video games
Favorite athlete?
Usain Bolt
What are you most proud of?
My brothers, Jonathan and Jeremiah
James Burnett • Senior • Track & Field • Oxford, Miss.
Q: What is your inspiration?
"My family. Ever since I first started running they've always supported me every step of the way."
Q: What do you think is the most important thing young athletes should know about competing and being a student-athlete?
"They should know that it is important to keep your grades up more than anything. They should also know that it is going to be a lot of hard work with school schedules on top of training."
Q: What do you see as the most rewarding aspect of competing in your sport?
"The most rewarding thing to me is being able to be a positive influence in my family and community. Growing up here in Oxford and now running at Ole Miss has made a lot of people proud."
Q: We have seen a continued push for increased representation in collegiate athletics. Why do you believe it is important that there is diversity across all levels in collegiate athletics?
"Diversity in collegiate athletics is important because having people from all walks of life and cultural backgrounds can really put things into perspective. I've learned so much from some of my teammates and have made life long friends in the process."
Q: Who is one person that has been instrumental to your growth?
"One person that I can say has been a mentor to me on and off the track is Chris Bush, my high school track coach."
Quick Facts
Favorite sport to watch?
Basketball
What do you prefer to do in your free time?
Hang with friends, play video games
Favorite athlete?
Usain Bolt
What are you most proud of?
My brothers, Jonathan and Jeremiah
Players Mentioned
Sprints
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