Justin Watterson’s journey to becoming a record-breaking collegiate hurdler is one marked by resilience and determination, not just on the track, but in the face of life-altering adversity. A standout athlete, his trajectory seemed unstoppable until a hit-and-run accident in 2023 upended his world.
Justin vividly remembers the evening of the accident. He was on his electric skateboard, heading home from work, when a speeding car struck him while he was crossing the street. The impact was so severe that it left him disoriented, with no memory of the moments immediately following the crash. As he lay on the sidewalk, unable to move his foot and his arm in great pain, he was helped by a passerby who called 911. The severity of the accident became clearer when his roommates took him to the hospital, where he was diagnosed with a severe concussion and a contusion on the peroneal nerve in his leg, leaving his foot numb and immobile.
His recovery was long and arduous. The months dragged on, and despite his initial determination, he experienced doubt about his future. Would he ever run again? The uncertainty weighed heavily on his mind, turning what should have been his prime competitive years into a grueling battle just to regain basic mobility.
The unwavering support of Justin’s teammates, coaches, and family kept him pushing forward. Every small victory, like the first slight movement of his foot, was celebrated as monumental progress. His comeback was slow but steady, and on April 1, 2023, he was finally cleared to begin light training. Though he redshirted the entire 2023 season, the time spent away from competition allowed him to gain a deeper appreciation for the sport and a renewed focus on his goals.
By 2024, he was back, stronger than ever. He broke his school’s indoor record in the 60-meter hurdles (7.94 seconds), and he claimed the Big West title in the 110-meter hurdles (13.75 seconds), the third-fastest time in his school’s history.
“Getting back on the track after the accident wasn’t just about physical recovery—it was about proving to myself that no matter how hard life hits, I can hit back harder,” said Justin. “Every hurdle I’ve overcome has made me stronger, both as an athlete and as a person.”