Not everyone is cut out to be a long-distance runner, but it seems Kemoy Campbell of Bellefield High School was made for it.

Campbell cruised to victory in the Class One 1500 and 5,000 metres at last weekend's Issa/GraceKennedy Boys and Girls' Athletic Championships, smashing 17-year-old records in both events. He is looking to repeat his achievement at the CARIFTA Games being held in St Lucia this weekend.

THE STAR recently got a chance to speak with the promising athlete.

Q : How old are you and what form are you in?

A: I'm 18, fifth form.

Q : So, you're doing exams this year then? How do you manage everything?

A : I can handle it, I just know how to manage my time.

Q : How many subjects will you be sitting?

A : Six

Q : What career would you like to pursue when you graduate?

A : I want to be a veterinarian.

Q : Did you choose to run distance?

A : I chose it. I ran at a sports day and I came third and I wasn't even training. I ran the 5,000 metres.

Q : That's 12 and a half laps. How can somebody run 12 and a half laps? Isn't that hard and tiring?

A: No, I don't get tired when the race is done because I train for it. It just comes natural.

Q : How often do you train?

A : I train every day and rest on Fridays. I train for about two to three hours and sometimes for an hour and a half.

Q : Do you have a special diet?

A : Yes I do. I have to eat a lot of carbs and protein. No cake or ice cream (laughs).

Q : What community are you from?

A : Rose Hill district in Manchester.

Q : What about your family? Do you live with your family?

A : Yes, I live with my father and my four brothers.

Q : What do you do when you're not training or studying?

A : I watch TV or read a book. I like to play cricket sometimes.

Q : Is there any athlete that you idolise?

A : Asafa Powell is my idol. He's just a cool guy ... calm and everything.

Q : What are your thoughts/feelings looking back at Champs?

A : I feel very happy knowing that I have two records to my name.

Q : What is your goal going into the CARIFTA games?

A : I want to break the two records again.

Q : Is there anyone that you think may present you with any strong competition?

A : Only in the 1500 and that's Gavin Niro from Trinidad and Tobago.

Q : What were your times at Champs?

A : In the 1500, it was 3:48 and in the 5,000 metres, 14: 33.

Q : Do you think you can go faster?

A : Right now, I don't think I can go any faster at CARIFTA, but I'll go close to those times.

Q : Do you think enough attention is paid to distance running? If not, what would you like to see happen?

A : I don't think enough emphasis is being placed there. Most people talk about the sprints and support the sprinters. I'd love to see that changed. I want distance runners to get more sponsors and more attention.

Q: What are your plans after graduation?

A : I plan to go to college overseas.

Q : Anything else you'd like us to know?

A : I just want to thank my coach Dean Tomlin. He's been with me from grade nine and he's a source of encouragement.

Since yesterday, THE STAR has been highlighting some of the top performers from the recently concluded ISSA/GraceKennedy Boys and Girls' Athletic Championships as part of the Star of the Month feature. Today, Reporter Jonique Gaynor speaks to Kemoy Campbell of Bellefield High School.