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My Story

Johnie Drake, hall of fame sprinter. speed coach. sports performance coach
Johnie Drake Speed Performance
         Don't Compete, DOMINATE!

Speed is my God given talent; it has been an important asset to my athletic ability. From the start of my athletic career as a basketball player, coaches noticed how fast and explosive I was. I began running track in the 8th grade and made good on my talent by winning our Catholic league 100m dash. That summer, I was recruited to join summer track club (AAU) and discovered just how fast I was; I placed 1st in the 100m and 200m at AAU Club Nationals. From that point on I focused on my gift and knew I could make a career out of it.

 

Being an exceptionally fast athlete helped me secure a scholarship to Central Michigan University. The journey to understand the training of my mind and body for athletic development began on that campus. My dreams of becoming the fastest man in the world was halted by my disappointing Freshman season. My clocked times were on par with the same times I posted when I was 16, surely I was faster than that?!?

 

I made it a point to get with a speed coach and learn exactly what it takes to be the fastest man in the world. The summer between freshman and sophomore year at CMU I spent countless hours on the track, in the weight room, and even in the classroom. Just as football and basketball players study film to improve, track runners do the same thing; I had no idea. Upon My return to CMU, I broke the 15 year old school record in the 60m dash. I went on to break more records, win championships, run the fastest time in the World, all culminating in an induction into the Central Michigan Athletics Hall of Fame.

 

Today I use my experience and knowledge to help athletes reach their athletic goals. Speaking real life truths about training and what it takes to be the best is a passion. Athletes will learn the art of athletic develop with a concentration on speed, agility and technique based fundamentals. They will leave my program with enough knowledge to pass on to teammates or even parlay interest in becoming a coach one day.

Career Highlights

Professional/College

  • 2016 Central Michigan Hall Of Fame Inductee

  • 2011-2007 Professional Track Runner

  • 2006 Mid American Conference 100m, 200m, 4x100m Champion

  • 2006 USATF Indoor Nationals 5th Place (60m)

  • 2004 NCAA All American

  • 2004 MAC Indoor Champion 60m & 200m

  • Central Michigan School Record Holder 60m - 6.54, 100m - 10.14

Career Best

  • 60m - 6.53, 6.54, 6.56, 6.59, 6.60

  • 100m - 10.14, 10.29, 10.30

  • 200m - 21.08, 21.34, 21.45

High School/AAU

  • 2001 USA National Champion 4x100m (40.46), 2001 AAU National Champion 4x100m ( 40.44)

  • 2001 All State 100m, 200m, 4x200m

  • 2001 100m DPS City Champ

  • 1999 AAU Michigan Regional 100m Record 15/16 (10.74)

  • 1999 AAU (3rd) 11.1, USATF (4th) 10.82 100m

  • 1997 AAU Club Championships 100m & 200m Champion

Education

  • Masters Degree Coaching & Athletic Administration 

  • B.S.B.A. Business Management 

  • USATF Level 1 Certified

  • NASM Certified Sports Nutrition Coach

Experience

  • 2009 Volunteer Assistant Track Coach @ Cass Technical High School 

  • 2012-2013 Volunteer Assistant Sprint Coach @ Central Michigan University

  • 2014 Detroit Public School Middle School Track & Field Director

  • 2014 Co-Owner Courageous Sports Academy

  • 2017 Lead Trainer @ Stunner Elite Training

  • 2019 Founded JD Speed Performance

  • Trained over 50 NFL Draft prospects, 10 NFL players including Dallas Cowboy Donovan Olumba  

  • Trained over 100 AAU youth track and field athletes which includes the fastest 14 year old in Michigan, Corey Royster

  • Developed speed for over 25 hockey athletes, most notable current Hamilton Bulldog, Frank Jenkins

  • Developed speed for over 50 baseball players, most notable NCAA Champion, John Malcolm (Vanderbilt)

  • Trained over 1000 athletes for speed and agility in basketball, baseball, track, football, soccer, softball, gymnastics, field hockey, boxing, and hockey

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