Johnny Walters etched his name into Lumen Christi history this season with a blazing 49.35
finish in the 400 meters, shattering a school record that had stood for more than half a century.
The previous mark of 49.78, set by Paul McCann over 50 years ago, was long considered
untouchable. Walters not only surpassed it—he did so with confidence and composure that
reflected months of focused preparation.
Coming into the season, Walters carried a quiet certainty about what he could achieve. “Oh
yeah, I knew it was gonna happen, because of how close I was last year,” he said, reflecting on
his mindset before ever stepping onto the track. That belief translated into disciplined training
and a steady rise in performance, culminating in the record-braking run.
The moment itself was surreal. As Walters crossed the finish line, the realization quickly set in.
“Yes, I saw Coach Burk pray and the entire team came over to celebrate my achievement,” he
said, describing the immediate celebration that followed. Overcome with exhaustion and
adrenaline, his first reaction was simple: “I laid on the ground.”
Walters’ pre-race routine also offers a glimpse into his edge. His favorite pump-up song, “Let’s
Do It” by Playboi Carti, Lil Baby, and Skooly, helps him lock into the intensity required for a race
that demands both speed and endurance. The King Vamp a.k.a. Baby Boi a.k.a. Playboi Carti
helps him lock in before his races.
Despite already making history, Walters isn’t finished. His sights are set even higher. “Go sub 49
seconds, and win states,” he said, outlining his next goals with the same confidence that carried
him to this milestone.
With his record-breaking performance, Walters has not only honored Lumen Christi’s past but
also raised the bar for its future.