Joe Fahnbulleh
Hopkins High School
Impact Statement
“Every year, I would look at that record board and say, ‘I want my name to be up there.’” – Joe Fahnbulleh
Biography
Fahnbulleh closed-out his scholastic career by defending his 200 meter dash Class AA state title, plus he anchored the school’s 4 X 200 meter relay team that won its second straight state gold medal. The relay team broke its own state record with a winning time of 1 minute, 25.66 seconds. Fahnbulleh, who will attend the University of Florida on a scholarship, was named Mr. Track and Field by the sport’s coaches association.
“The (Florida) coaches didn’t just only care about my athletic ability, they cared about me as a human. I see coaches at UF as the father figures I never had in my life. That’s why I chose Florida,” Fahnbulleh said. Fahnbulleh, who fled Liberia (Africa) with his family during a coup, said education is very important, “My mom says nobody can take away your education. Opportunities are there. Most people see them but don’t take them; I act on my opportunities.”
As a freshman, Fahnbulleh competed in five events for the Gators and earned USTFCCCA Indoor All-America honors in the 200m. He was also named USTFCCA All-Academic.
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