Olympic Champ Cheers on Malverne Runners

The Malverne track teams had a special guest in their cheering section during Tuesday's holiday meet.

Olympic gold medalist and Malverne High School graduate Derrick Adkins came out on April 25 to motivate young runners from the area during a track meet held in his honor.

Adkins, who won gold at the 1996 Olympics for winning the 400m hurdles, now serves on the advisory board of the Lakeview Youth Federation. The organization was influential in his success and now gives him a chance to give back while working alongside one of his biggest inspirations, his former coach Charles Nanton.

This year's annual Derrick Adkins meet brought student-athletes from several local high schools together for some healthy competition similar to the held earlier this year. It also attracted Nassau County Executive Ed Mangano.

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