By Ali Yenchick
For track and field enthusiasts, Johnny Brackins Jr. is not just a name – he embodies passion, talent, and perseverance. While his hometown is the Kansas City suburbs in Missouri, Brackins has forged an unexpected and meaningful tie to Virginia Beach. For the 2025 NCAA Division 1 Indoor Track & Field Championships, all eyes (4,000 in-person spectators and 41,115 viewers on ESPNU) were on Johnny as he came back to where it all began for him on the national stage. Little did they know that this would be a full-circle moment in many ways.
Virginia Beach’s Special Place in Johnny’s Career
During a press conference at the Virginia Beach Sports Center, Johnny Brackins Jr. revealed his deep connection to Virginia Beach. “Coming here is a big deal,” Brackins said, reflecting on how significant the city has been in shaping his track and field career. “I have a lot of history here, so it feels like home for me.”
Virginia Beach, known for its beautiful coastlines and vibrant sports culture, has served as a pivotal backdrop for many record-breaking performances. Back in 2019, Virginia Beach was where Brackins achieved the final championship victory of his high school career, setting the tone for the illustrious track career that was to follow. To return here in what would be his final collegiate championship appearance was a poetic conclusion to this chapter of his life.
“This is a full-circle moment for me as I wrap up my collegiate career in the same place as I did back in high school,” he shared, underscoring the personal significance of the occasion.
And he wasn’t just participating for nostalgia’s sake. Brackins made it clear that he came to Virginia Beach with a mission. “I want to go out with a bang,” he declared. True to his word, the results spoke for themselves. The USC Men’s team claimed first place at the 2025 NCAA Division Indoor Track and Field Championships, solidifying the Trojans’ dominance and marking a triumphant ending to Brackins’ collegiate track and field career.
The Making of a Champion
Born and raised in the Kansas City suburbs of Missouri, Brackins showcased his immense potential early on. His father, Johnny Brackins Sr., is no stranger to the track and field world, having competed as a collegiate athlete and even participated in the United States Olympic Trials. It’s no wonder that Brackins Jr. inherited his dad’s athletic genes and fierce competitive spirit.
After completing high school, Brackins initially attended Baylor University before transferring to the University of Southern California (USC). It was this transition that sparked the meteoric rise we see today. Representing USC, Brackins found his stride, whether he was leaping great distances in the long jump or crushing hurdles in style. Brackins had already established himself as a force in the sport with some incredible achievements in recent years:
- 2022 U.S. U20 Long Jump Champion
- 2024 USA Indoor Track & Field Championships Winner in the long jump
- World Athletics U20 Championships Bronze Medalist in the 4x100m relay
- 2024 NCAA Division I Indoor Track and Field Runner-Up in the 60-meter hurdles
A Full-Circle Moment for Brackins and His Fans
Johnny’s reflection about his Virginia Beach appearances – first as a high school athlete and now as a collegiate star about to step into the professional arena – is a story of growth and triumph. It’s also a reminder that every successful athlete is shaped by the places, events, and communities that mentor and inspire them.
With the USC Men’s team taking home the championship title and Brackins reliving an emotional, victorious experience in Virginia Beach, this chapter couldn’t have closed on a better note.
“We did it as a team, we earned it, and this is bigger than anything,” Brackins said.
Virginia Beach and Brackins’ Legacy
Johnny Brackins Jr.’s story shows how the right environment and support system can influence an athlete’s development. His inspiring ties to Virginia Beach played a significant role in his rise to becoming one of the brightest track and field stars of his generation.
Whether you’re a Virginia Beach local, a passionate track and field fan, or an athlete chasing your own dream, Brackins’ accomplished career proves that with the right mix of hard work, talent, and opportunity, success is always within reach.
