Thunder Ridge senior star quarterback and defending 100-yard dash state champion was always poised to have a great year, and he delivered, as Tao was voted the Post Register Track Athlete of the Year for 5a. Tao has always been very fast as he has already signed his letter of intent to play wide receiver at the University of Utah. 

That speed was an asset to Tao on the football field, which translated onto the track as he won the 2021 state championship in the 100-meter dash with a staggering time of 10.82.  Johnson also participates in the long jump and in the 4×100 meter relay.

All of these events and the successes he has had with them as he has a personal best of 23 feet and he posted 42.92 in the 4×100 joined by Max Whitehouse, Elijah Johnson, and Kody Robinson. 

Johnson when asked how it felt to get this award he said “it feels good to be recognized by being named track athlete of the year Johnson says “It feels good to be recognized for the hard work and the hours you put in it is an honor”. 

Johnson also thinks that his biggest track lesson is to compete with himself Johnson adds “ Just compete the one thing about track it is you versus everyone else you know there is no team you have to learn how to compete and learn to compete against yourself”.

Tao is an extremely hard worker and is well-deserving of this award. All of us at Thunder and a part of the Oracle wish him luck with his athletic career.