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Steinbrenner Athlete Sets and Breaks Own Records.

By November 11, 2019November 18th, 2019Athlete of the Week
Athlete of the Week

Tampa, Fl. – November 11, 2019 – Florida Orthopaedic Institute (FOI) is proud to announce Josh King from Steinbrenner High School as the ‘Athlete of the Week’ for the week beginning November 11, 2019.

King was nominated by the boys’ cross-country head coach, Allison Szponar for his record-setting talent and his unwavering determination.

“Not only does Josh have our school’s 5K record of 15:50, but he has also solidified himself as our go-to athletic trainer,” Szponar said. “Josh, who has battled back from a number of injuries throughout his high school career, helps younger athletes with aqua jogging and icing and heating techniques for injury prevention and recovery. He plans to run in college and become a physical trainer specializing in athletes.”

Now that he is back from the injured reserve, King has his goals in sight. Looking to break the 5K record he previously set and break the school’s two-mile record, he is once again ready to compete.

“I always wanted to compete,” King said. “I joined track as a freshman and steadily climbed the ranks with the Boss Cross. Through many injury-plagued seasons, I am finally getting my chance to show my full potential.”

Additionally, King wants to help his team secure a state championship. Cross-country is a game of pure endurance and, in order to win, King knows that he has to stay in top physical and mental condition.

“Getting a state championship is no easy task,” King said. “I have to be consistent and work hard every day to push myself to try and be the best. In order to maintain, I have to eat right, get enough sleep and make sure I am mentally prepared for the obstacles that running presents.”

Driven by unrelenting willpower and work ethic, King is looking to go the distance and do whatever it takes to win that championship.

“You have to sacrifice for what you want,” King said. “Or what you want will be the sacrifice. Be the best you can be and always focus on the goals ahead of you. Also, listen to your body and be smart about how you train.”

Florida Orthopaedic Institute’s Athlete of the Week campaign is designed to focus on student-athletes, recognizing them for their hard work and dedication both on and off the field. The Athlete of the Week award can be earned by displaying one of the following characteristics:

Team Player: Athletes who are nominated for excellence in team play are chosen by a coach who feels the athlete does his or her best to put direction into action, makes a significant contribution to the team and continuously works to improve his or her skills, attitude and training.

Leadership: Athletes who earn the award in recognition of excellent leadership must exemplify strong relationship building skills, show excellent initiative and serve as role models for his or her peers.

To view previous award winners, please follow this link.

Florida Orthopaedic Institute

Founded in 1989, Florida Orthopaedic Institute is Florida’s largest orthopedic group and provides expertise and treatment of orthopedic-related injuries and conditions, including adult reconstruction and arthritis, chiropractic services, foot and ankle, general orthopedics, hand and wrist, interventional spine, musculoskeletal oncology, orthopedic trauma, physical medicine and rehabilitation, physical and occupational therapy, sports medicine, shoulder and elbow, and spine services among others. The organization treats patients throughout its surgery centers in North Tampa and Citrus Park, two orthopedic urgent care centers in South Tampa and Brandon, and 9 office locations in Bloomingdale, Brandon, Citrus Park, North Tampa, Northdale, Palm Harbor, South Tampa, Sun City Center and Wesley Chapel. For more information, please visit: FloridaOrtho.com and ‘like’ us on Facebook: facebook.com/Florida.Orthopaedic.Institute