Hard work is a family value. Just ask Judson Lincoln IV, one of the top sprinters in Maryland during the 2021-2022 season. He was named one of the Spring 2022 All-Met Players of the Year by the Washington Post. In 2021, he was named Howard County Times/Columbia Flier Boys Outdoor Track and Field Athlete of the Year. Besides being an award-winning runner, he had other personal goals, like attending college on a full scholarship. “I didn’t want my parents to have to pay for college. I knew it would be a burden,” he says. So, he had to apply his incredible work ethic to achieve this goal. That meant raising his grades and lowering his record-breaking times. In the end, all of his hard work paid off. He is now attending his first year at Virginia Tech on a full-ride scholarship.

The Stats

In the 2020-2021 season, the Oakland Mills junior sprinter won 10 gold medals at the three postseason meets, leading the Scorpions to county, regional, and state championships. In 2022, he won the state championships in the 100 meters (10.46 seconds), 200 meters (20.90), and 400 meters (47.42). He was also a member of the victorious 4x200 relay. Lincoln won 21 of the 22 individual finals he competed in throughout the year; he was second in the 400 at the Brooks PR Invitational in Seattle.

Motivation and Family Support

Judson IV quickly credits his parents (Judson Lincoln Jr. and Dominique Lincoln) and his faith for his motivation on and off the field. His mother has always supported him emotionally, “I know she’s always going to love and support me,” he says. But he has a unique lifelong bond with his father. “My dad and I’ve been pretty close all my life. He’s been my track coach for most of my life as well. He’s always been very supportive and knows what I can accomplish. He knows I’m always self-motivated.”

 Staying Focused

Judson has some advice for aspiring athletes and runners. “Keep your grades up. Many people think it doesn’t matter, but it does.” He also warns against losing your focus before a big game or competition. “Try to stay off of social media. Just focus on yourself and work in silence.”

Campus Life

Currently, Judson IV splits his time between classwork, track practice, and training. Ever a sports lover, he decided to follow the natural path of majoring in Sports Media Analytics. He tries to balance his busy schedule with relaxation and social time in his limited free time. “I like working out as well because it makes doing sports easier. Also, I just like to hang out with my friends. I have a great friend group around me who supports me.”

New Goals 

One thing’s for sure, Judson IV hates to lose, which is why he consistently achieves every goal he sets for himself. For the 200-meter event, he wants to run a 20.7, but the big goal is to go to Nationals. “I want to keep my momentum going from high school and bring it to the college level. To go to Nationals for individual events, you have to be in the top 16 in the nation. As a freshman, it’s pretty hard, but I think I’m up for the challenge.”