Summoning reserves of mental strength during the final lap of a two-mile race proves far more critical than conditioning for Justin Turner, Chelsea High’s standout distance runner. The grueling nature of these events demands exactly that kind of resilience.
As the senior captain approaches races this indoor track season, he has dominated in two-mile competitions. His credentials also include an impressive achievement in cross country: League MVP honors from the Commonwealth Athletic Conference (CAC).
“I think the finish is more mental, probably
because you know you’re so close to the finish and you want to do anything you
can to get there and also hold off anyone who is exact same thing to try to
catch you…At the beginning, I try to hold off the adrenaline rush for the
start. It’s about getting a good pace and settling in and focusing. On the last
few laps, you pull out everything you have left in order to finish – and that’s
the mental part.”
Born and raised in Chelsea, Turner, 17, progressed through the Early Learning Center, then Berkowitz Elementary, Wright Middle School, and finally Chelsea High. His path into athletics began early through football and other youth sports, establishing him as the family’s primary athlete.
Turner entered cross country and track during his freshman year and has competed throughout his four-year tenure. Under the influence of former standout Jose LeClerc—who graduated last year—Turner assumed a leadership role on this year’s squad. While not one to command attention loudly, he recognizes how teammates regard him as a role model.
The controlled nature of distance running appeals to Turner deeply.
“It’s more about paying attention to what
I’m doing and not getting distracted by what’s around me,” he said.
“You have to motivate yourself and if you
don’t it’s hard to stay focused,” he added.
Academically, Turner maintains a GPA never dipping below 3.5, with chemistry emerging as his strongest subject. Yet his future aspirations point elsewhere: computer programming attracts his focus for years to come.
Programming sparked his interest after observing his older sister work on video game development during a summer. Her involvement with code inspired his own ambitions in that direction.
Seven college applications are already submitted. Suffolk University stands out as his preferred choice, primarily because he could continue competing in track and cross country there.
The concert band’s front row regularly features Turner on flute and piccolo during performances.
Throughout his distance-running career, Turner credits his parents Russell and Erikka Turner for sustaining both his own drive and that of his entire team.
“My mom and dad and family came to my first
meet and they always come when they can,” he said. “They support me throughout
my years and they support the rest of the team too. They don’t just support me,
but everyone on the team.”
Alongside siblings Jyllian, Teri, and Kyle, Turner reflects positively on his Chelsea upbringing.
“There is a stereotype out there that Chelsea
isn’t the best place, but people in this community fight that stereotype and
they do everything they can to make it the best city it can be,” he said.