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Biography
THE X_MAN
More and more often the world is getting a chance to see the X-Man’s infamous gesture of an X made by his arms after a signature victory. Xavier Carter, known as the “X-Man” throughout the track and field world, has found unprecedented success on the high school and collegiate levels and is showing no signs of slowing down since turning pro in June 2006. Xavier has quickly proven his speed is as super human as his nickname.
In only his second international competition he ran the second fastest 200m time in history, winning the 2006 ‘Athletissima’ Super Grand Prix 200m in 19.63 seconds. With fellow American sprinter Tyson Gay at his rear, he bested his career mark by .39 seconds at the competition held in Lausanne, Switzerland. Only Michael Johnson at the 1996 Olympics has run a faster 200m.
The ‘X-Man’ had an illustrious collegiate career for Louisiana State University, becoming the first athlete since Jesse Owens in 1936 to win four titles at a NCAA Outdoor Championship. Xavier posted victories in the 100m, 400m, 4x100-meter relay and 4x400-meter relay at the 2006 NCAA Outdoor Championships in Sacramento, California.
The LSU Tiger became the first ever to win the 100m (10.09) and 400m (44.53) at one championship. Xavier ran the two championship races a mere 31 minutes apart and it was only his second time competing in a 100m race in his collegiate career.
The Bayou was well aware they were getting one of the most highly touted track athletes in history. Xavier’s name had been on the national radar since winning the 100m State Championship as a true freshman. He never slowed down, winning USA Track and Field, NIKE, Gatorade and National High School Coaches Association, Track and Field Athlete of the Year in both his junior and senior years. By the time his career ended at Palm Bay Senior High School he brought home nine State Championships, including becoming the first ever to complete the trifecta (100m, 200m, and 400m) in both his junior and senior years.
College football powerhouses from across the country had visions of the X-man running routes for their team. Rivals, a football recruiting site, ranked the track star as the 22nd best player and fifth best wide receiver in the country coming out of high school in 2004. The U.S. Army All-American signed with then reigning national championship LSU, his mothers’ alma mater, passing up both track and football scholarships from Miami, Florida, Florida State and UCLA.
Eventually, Xavier decided to move on from his amateur football and track careers to focus on the professional ranks and the 2008 Olympics in Beijing. While a Tiger at heart he is currently training in enemy territory in Gainesville, Florida.
Xavier will look to return to classes in the fall to complete his degree in kinesiology.
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