Former Hampton High School Star Athlete Making Second Olympics Appearance
HENRY COUNTY, GA – The Games of the XXXIII Olympiad are underway, with some of the world’s best athletes vying for medals in 32 sports and 329 events.
Across America, fans root for the hundreds of Team USA competitors representing the nation. Close to 30 of these remarkable athletes have ties to Georgia, including Hampton High School alumnus Daniel Roberts.
The 26-year-old Olympian placed in the top 10 and top 15 in the men’s 110-meter hurdles at the 32nd Olympic Games in Tokyo, Japan, in 2021. Since then, he has competed in national and international events, including the 2023 World Athletics Championships in Budapest.
Roberts earned his second trip to the Olympics after qualifying with the third-fastest time in the world this year in the men’s 110-meter hurdles.
Roberts’ road to Olympic glory began at a young age, and he credits his father and older brother for introducing him to and igniting his passion for track and field. In fact, the Roberts family boasts a strong sports legacy, with his father being a coach and his siblings distinguishing themselves as NCAA athletes.
Although Roberts initially focused on sprinting, he was drawn to hurdles after being inspired by his brother’s participation in the event.
As early as middle school, Roberts could envision competing at a high level. Over the years, through hard work and dedication, he began to inch his way closer to making that dream a reality.
While a junior at Hampton High School, Roberts was a nationally ranked 110- and 300-meter hurdler, winning Georgia High School Association (GHSA) Class AAAA state titles in those hurdling events as well as the triple jump. Among his many accomplishments, he placed second in the New Balance National Championships and had the fastest time in the country as a junior.
An all-around athlete, Roberts was also a member of Hampton High’s football team. Former coach Chadwick Ashley speaks highly of Roberts, not just for the man and Olympian he is today but for the tenacious, selfless, and humble student-athlete he remembers.
During his senior year, Roberts suffered a severe and potentially career-ending injury when he tore his anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), medial collateral ligament (MCL), and posterior cruciate ligament (PCL).
“We were a new football team, quite undermanned and outmatched, and we were still finding our footing,” Ashley said. “Daniel had, by that time, received offers from several colleges and had committed to the University of Kentucky. He could have easily watched from the sidelines his senior year, and everyone would have understood and supported that decision. That should tell you something about his loyalty and character. He never complained or wished he had made a different choice to avoid injury. Daniel handles adversity with class and grace. He was a tireless worker and always led by example.”
Following the injury, Roberts was forced to take a break from hurdles. The determined athlete not only refused to become dejected but embraced the triple jump, deciding that event would allow him to continue pursuing his passion without aggravating his injury. He also represented Hampton High at the GHSA state championships in the high jump that year.
Whether speaking about his injury or other challenges, Roberts is never despondent or remorseful.
“It’s all about choice,” he explained. “There will be hardships and difficult seasons. However, you have to believe you can grow and improve regardless of how it all seems. Faith, work ethic, drive, and a strong support system are important in difficult times, but you have to believe.”
At the University of Kentucky, Roberts competed in indoor and outdoor track and field and cross country, racking up several distinctions, including an NCAA Silver Medal in 2019. He clocked the second-fastest time in collegiate history and was named First-Team All-American that same year. He also set records in the 60-meter and 110-meter hurdles at the collegiate level.
Despite his remarkable achievements, Roberts remains grounded, consistently embodying grace and humility on and off the track.
“Nothing makes me happier than to see Daniel’s success, because I know how much he loves the sport, how much of himself he has poured into it, and how he uses his success to pour into others,” Ashley added. “He is one of the most selfless and humble people I have ever met. Daniel Roberts will be successful in life no matter what he chooses because of his faith, work ethic, family values, and desire to make a positive impact. I am a better person and coach for having had the opportunity to coach him. He is an outstanding role model for people of all ages.”
Faith and incredible will are recurring themes in conversations about Roberts, and these qualities have been instrumental in his ability to overcome challenges and maintain the discipline of a world-class athlete.
“It’s a lot of work,” Roberts admitted. “There is so much work behind the scenes, but I get to compete in what I enjoy, so work is only a part of it. Persevering is what matters, and when you grow mentally, emotionally, and physically, that’s when it all comes together.”
“Being an athlete, moreover, performing at the level of an Olympian, requires tremendous talent, dedication, and grit,” said Interim Superintendent Dr. Carl Knowlton. “Daniel is a great example, not only for our student-athletes, but for everyone, in modeling how to triumph over obstacles. Daniel, we want you to know that Hampton High School and the entire school district will be rooting for you and cheering you on over every hurdle. We are ‘Henry Proud’ of your success.”
Round one of the men’s 110-meter hurdles is scheduled to begin at 5:50 a.m. on Sunday, Aug. 4.
About Henry County Schools
Henry County Schools (HCS) is the eighth-largest school district in Georgia, consisting of 53 schools and located about 20 minutes south of Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport. Over the past two decades, our community has grown in population from 113,000 residents to over 244,000 residents. Since 1999, student enrollment has grown from 21,000 to 43,000 students, and our number of employees has grown from 3,000 to 6,000.
HCS is “In Pursuit of Exceptional,” taking action to advance opportunities, access, and outcomes so that every student in our school district has Exceptional Support, Exceptional Access, and an Exceptional Future. In 2020, our Board of Education adopted our 2021-2026 Community-Inspired Strategic Plan and laid out a clear vision and mission for Henry County Schools. Our vision is to ensure a high-quality, world-class education for every student, and our mission is to empower all students with exceptional opportunities and access that lead to success in a global society.
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