Spark and form paid off for senior track athlete Nasir Robinson, who is ranked number one in the state with a record-breaking time of 21.88 200m and 34.54 300m, leaving rivals tasting his dust. 

Robinson has always loved the feeling of running. He first started his track career as a freshman when government teacher Michael Adamson recruited him. 

“I was inspired to join track because I enjoyed the feeling of running, I was always faster than my peers in basketball, so I decided to try that speed out on the track. At first, I wasn’t gonna do it because my mother had work, but that was when my freshman year, coach Adamson found me in my class and convinced me to join, once he made me realize my speed can take me somewhere, I started taking track more seriously.” said Robinson

Adamson had been a track coach since East first opened in 2009. He was inspired by his own high school and college coaches and wanted to inspire other students while teaching at East, including Robinson, and help them maximize their potential. 

“Nasir has made tremendous progress since his freshman year. He dedicated himself to improving and put in the work to achieve his potential. I am extremely proud of how he was able to improve each season and continue to push himself to be better. He is never satisfied with what he has already achieved and continues to aspire to do better” said Adamson.  

2025 was Adamson’s final year coaching, when he wanted to spend more time with his three kids. 

“I made the difficult decision to stop coaching because I have three young kids and I want to make sure I am able to attend as many of their activities and events as possible.” said Adamson.

With the help of Adamson, Robinson won multiple awards throughout his high school track career. This then made him realize that track is something he wants to pursue as a career.  He is hoping to make it into SIU, FAMU, or Illinois State to go D1-D2 and be even more successful in his track career. 

Besides track season at East, Robinson is involved in a travel track and field team, and his team just recently went to Texas A&M for the Texas High School Championships. While he was there, he finished 21st out of 393 high school boys in the 200m with a time of 21.88. He gained an experience of a lifetime while he was there. Robinson said, “It was really fun, we went to Texas A&M and got to enjoy their track, it was a really fun experience, and it showed me where I am in the world right now.” 

Outside of track, Robinson enjoys photography and graphic design. These creative activities give him balance, reduce stress, and provide a healthy release for the same focus he brings when competing. 

“Balancing photography, graphic design, track, and school can be challenging, but I manage it by staying organized and prioritizing what’s important. They are naturally my hobbies, so it’s fun” said Robinson. 

Robinson is looking forward to his last track season here at East. He is eager to break more records, improve tremendously, and enjoy the final season with his friends. He is excited to step up and be a huge influence on the younger classes at East.

Robinson’s advice to younger athletes: “Progress doesn’t happen overnight, so keep working even when it gets hard and believe in yourself.  As well as for younger athletes, my advice would be to take care of your body. If you don’t, it will eventually catch up to you. That means eating three meals a day, staying properly hydrated, getting enough rest, and being smart about recovery. Training is important, but how you take care of your body outside of practice matters just as much.”