The moment the starting gun fires, everything else fades away for Ray Carmel. The roar of the crowd, the pressure of the competition, and the burning in his legs from his position disappear as he explodes from the blocks, focused on the finish line ahead. In those few seconds, nothing else matters. And more often than not, when the race comes rapidly to a halt, Carmel is the first to cross.
As the 2025 Shadow Ridge track season lunges from the blocks, one name continues to dominate the conversation: Ray Carmel. A senior, and one of the schools top sprinters, Carmel has spent the past four years leaving his mark on the track, earning a reputation for his speed and determination. Now, in his final high school season, he’s looking to finish strong. Carmel’s journey into track and field started early, but his passion for sprinting truly took off when he realized his natural talent for speed.
“I was initially drawn to club track when I was younger. Even though I was fast, I quit. I thought high school track would be a little different than club, so when I became a freshman, I knew I had to give it a try,” stated Carmel.
Throughout his high school career, Carmel has racked up an impressive list of accomplishments, consistently finishing among the top competitors in his events. From winning an out of state relay race to racking up crucial points in state meets, his presence on the track has been undeniable. However, like any athlete, the road to success hasn’t been without its challenges.
“A defining moment in my career would be when I absolutely ripped up my hamstring during the Arcadia meet in California,” expressed Carmel. “Although unfortunate, it really got me back to the drawing board and helped me learn how to get my body in better shape.”
Training for sprinting at the next level requires more than just raw talent. Carmel dedicates countless hours to perfecting his technique, building endurance, and staying mentally focused. His daily routine consists of rigorous workouts, hours in the gym, and recovery sessions designed to keep him at peak performance.
“I train on the track four times a week and I usually get around three to four workouts in the gym. I focus more on the physical conditioning than the mental preparation but I’d say the mentality comes from the physical,” Carmel said.
Beyond his individual success, Carmel has made a significant impact on his team. His work ethic and leadership have not gone unnoticed by those around him.
“He’s a great teammate but he’s also a great friend. It’s cool to have built a relationship with someone I compete against but who also pushes me to be better,” affirmed fellow sprinter, Isaiah Bowman.
While the future remains unwritten, it’s clear that Carmel’s impact on Shadow Ridge’s track program won’t be forgotten anytime soon. Whether he continues his sprinting career at the collegiate level or takes his talents elsewhere, his drive and commitment to the program has set the standard for those who will follow in his footsteps.
