By Jeff Devine, Dale County Chronicle
OZARK — Carroll High School junior Dominique Lynn has etched her name into the school’s record books after breaking the school record in the shot put, an achievement she says came after years of hard work, determination, and support from coaches and family.
Lynn said the moment she realized she had broken the record was filled with emotion.
“What was going through my mind was happiness and emotions,” Lynn said. “I knew I was close, but I didn’t know for sure.”
For Lynn, seeing her name attached to a school record carries special meaning.
“It means a lot because I always wanted to have my name on something special to me,” she said.
The record-breaking throw came during one of Carroll’s early home meets of the season, making the accomplishment even more significant for the junior thrower.
“It was our first and second home meet, so I needed to make a statement on why we have meets there now,” Lynn said.
Lynn’s journey to breaking the record began three years ago when she first joined the track and field team as a freshman. She recalled surprising even herself with her first competitive throw.
“My ninth-grade year was my first year doing track, and I threw a 30.5,” Lynn said. “When I heard that, I was surprised because that’s amazing for a first-year thrower.”
Since then, Lynn has steadily improved her performance through consistent training and attention to her physical health.
“It was a lot of practicing every day, seeing the trainer and making sure everything was okay,” she said. “It took me three years to get here.”
Lynn credits her coaches for helping guide her development and pushing her to reach her potential.
“They set a standard for me to follow and encouraged me,” she said. “I take advice from all the coaches I have had and put them to use. They pushed me to be better because they believed I would make it and encouraged me at each practice and meet.”
She also expressed gratitude to the people who have supported her along the way.
“I want to thank my parents and grandparents and all coaches and mentors and friends for pushing me and helping me,” Lynn said.
In addition to track and field, Lynn is also a multi-sport athlete at Carroll High School, competing in basketball and flag football.
Shot put remains Lynn’s favorite event and the one she hopes to continue improving in the future.
“Shot put is the main event I’ve loved since I started, and that’s the first record I broke,” she said.
While the record is a milestone, Lynn said she is not finished setting new goals. She hopes to qualify for the state meet again and continue improving her distances.
“To make it to state for the second time and keep hitting personal records,” she said. “I’m hoping to beat it again and keep pushing the numbers high.”
Looking ahead, Lynn hopes her success in track and field will eventually lead to an opportunity to compete at the next level.
“Yes, I do want to go compete on the college level,” she said.
Beyond the competition itself, Lynn said one of the things she enjoys most about the sport is the experience of competing alongside her teammates.
“I enjoy being at the meets with my teammates and meeting new friends and the rush when you start competing,” she said.
She also offered encouragement for younger athletes who may be considering track and field or other sports.
“My advice to younger kids is to keep going, don’t give up, and enjoy doing whatever you put your mind to,” Lynn said. “Don’t let anybody hold you back.”
Dominique Lynn, a junior at Carroll High
