Newtown’s Oliver Guzy, 14, participated in the National Junior Olympic Track and Field Championships, in Houston, Texas, this summer. He competed in the 100 meter hurdles and the long jump event.

Guzy qualified as Northeast champion, earning the gold medal in the 100 hurdles with a time of 16.01 seconds. He improved during nationals, running 15.40 seconds. He is 20th in the nation in the 100 meter hurdles.

The running and jumping standout was fourth in the long jump event, jumping 18-3.5, during the Regional Olympics in Jersey City, N.J.

“Going to nationals made me very anxious because I knew the competition would be on a whole different level, even though I performed well in regionals. Being able to even compete with these elite runners is truly a gift,” Guzy said.

Guzy said he is thankful for his team and coaches with the Danbury Flyers.

The young track and field standout may have excelled on a big stage, but he is hungry for even more success. The season was not as successful as Guzy was hoping, in part due to the impact of the coronavirus limiting his training.

“Even though I didn’t perform as well as I expected, not reaching All-American level, top eight, really motivates me to do better next year,” Guzy said.

Sports Editor Andy Hutchison can be reached at andyh@thebee.com.