ATHLETE OF THE WEEK: Christ 'Sam' Gilles

Lake Buena Vista High School senior track and field runner and javelin thrower Christ “Sam” Gilles recently became the first Viper in Viper Nation to qualify for the state meet. Gilles also holds the school record in the javelin throw with a distance of 49 meters, and together with his 4x800 relay teammates, he holds the current school record.

Tell us about your years as a track and javelin athlete.
(Because) this is a new school, there is a lot you have to do and a lot you have to learn. It comes with a lot of hard work. Last year, I was a long-distance runner, and I did the 800-meter, 4x800 relay, 400-meter and javelin. I was trying to make states for one of them, and I saw the best change was javelin. … This year, (my coaches) pushed me every day.

How does it feel to have the school record for javelin?
It feels really amazing. I really had it in me, but I didn’t think about it too much. You just put in the work, and it will come to you if you work hard. 

Why javelin?
No one was doing it, and then my coach asked, “How would you like to do javelin?” He taught me to throw it and how to get better at it. I was already strong, so … ever since, then I’ve been dedicated and motivated to throw it.

What have track and javelin taught you in sports and also life?
It’s taught me to just work hard and be patient — and that you have to listen to your coaches, because they obviously know what they are doing. … Whatever they know, they can pass onto you. 

What do you think makes you a unique javelin athlete?
Probably just good technique, because you could be really strong, but that doesn’t make (the javelin) go very far. It’s all about technique. 

Where are you going to college? 
I really want to go to FAU and hopefully try to pursue a career in football. I want to study business management and get my master’s degree there, hopefully. 

What do you love most about your team? 
We could be losing or winning, nothing will ever break us down. At the end of the day we are always laughing together and having a great time. 

What is your favorite hobby? 
I like to work out, and I like to read. My favorite book is “Diary of a Wimpy Kid.”

What are three things you would take with you to a deserted island? 
I’d take my Bible, clothes and another book. 

What is your favorite movie? 
Probably the first “Avengers” movie. All the superheroes — they don’t know each other but have to come together to save the world. It was really interesting watching it. 

What TV series are you watching right now? 
I’m watching anime, my favorite one is “Naruto.” 

What is your favorite type of music? 
I like to listen to gospel, pop. 

Who is your favorite superhero? Why? 
I’d say Black Panther, because he’s amazing and cool. 

If you could have a superpower, what would it be and why? 
I would like to fly — be in the sky away from everybody. 

What are three places you’d like to visit? Why? 
Jamaica, Dubai and Hawaii. I don’t want to limit myself to those three, but I really want to explore the world. Those three, I’ve heard have the best food. 

If you could go back in time to a specific period of history, which one would it be and why?
Probably around the World War I. I would like to see how everything got together. What happened and how this “chaos” came to happen. 

What color would you say represents your personality? 
Red. I don’t really know how to explain it.

If you could be an animal for a day, which one would you be and why? 
I would probably be an eagle. They are powerful birds.