(This article first appeared in the May print edition of the Hendersonian)
Sons always dream of following in their father’s footsteps. For King Combest, those footsteps are much faster than those of his peers. Though he looks to create his own legacy, being the son of Casey Combest, a former sprinting sensation and local legend, brings with it overwhelming expectations and a rich base of knowledge, both on the track and in life.
The elder Combest was once considered the fastest high school sprinter in the country, setting several records. He still holds the 60-meter national high school record with a time of 6.57. These accolades appropriately earned him the moniker “White Lightning.” His career was, however, derailed by injuries, inadequate grades and a drug conviction.
Running truly is a family affair as King’s grandfather, Keith, was also a two-time state champion in the 400-meter.
“He’s always right there, day one, with me. I want to make him proud and my dad proud,” said King, crediting his predecessors for their support.
As King chuckled in the background, Casey proudly stated, “We are the country’s fastest family. Definitely in the state.”
By his account, King’s journey with sprinting began at an early age. He talked of practicing his starts in elevators at around nine months old. His dad would teach him how to set his feet and get ready to start out of the blocks. He would wait for the doors to open and then burst into the hall as if he had heard the starting gun.
King is currently an 18-year-old junior at Henderson County High School, balancing training, competitions and academics. Though he is not a member of the Colonel track team due to some philosophical differences, he and his father often find themselves being invited to the most prestigious events around the country.
Motivated to achieve similar success as track stars such as Usain Bolt and his own dad, King is a student of track. On top of physical training, he watches countless hours of film observing “all the older guys and Olympians” studying their form while looking for any way to improve his already impressive skills. Whether it’s something he can adjust in his start or his strides, Combest says it’s the little details that allow him to become better and better.
“It’s just been my journey to have fun, take it to another level, and just train every day. I hate losing. All the hard work I put through as a kid and all the dedication I put in. I’m about to be a senior, so this is all that counts,” said King.
All the hard work has paid off for the track prodigy. In 2022, King won the 60-meter national championship. He also recorded seven of the 10 fastest times in history, according to his father, who also coined him as the fastest middle school runner ever to live.
Most recently, King put his running prowess on display at March’s Nike Indoor Nationals in New York. Competing in the 55-meter dash, King finished in second place with a time of 6.45. He was also the runner up in the 60-meter final, clocking in at 6.92.
King’s personal best in the 60-meter currently sits at 6.90. He was nonchalant when asked if he ever thinks about overtaking his father’s record.
“I’m not really worried about that. That’s a hard record. That’s a fast time. It don’t matter. I just want to be in the money where my dad was. I want to work hard and go pro and that’s it.”
There are a couple of options for King to continue his career after he graduates from high school. College might be one. King has earned a 22 on his ACT. He has been in touch with numerous colleges and has been offered 13 full ride scholarships by his father’s count. Florida State currently stands as King’s favorite.
Foregoing college and going pro is also a possibility. They have been eyeing the newly created professional track and field league known as Grand Slam Track. This global league was started by former American Olympic gold medal winner Michael Johnson.
Casey said he made big mistakes in his life and “didn’t even go to college. The most important thing to me is to see King go to college and get that diploma and touch a lot of lives with the knowledge that he’s obtained,” said Casey of his dream for his son. “I personally think he’s an Olympian.”
All their family’s success has attracted big-time attention. Casey shared that there is currently a documentary being made about their story, as well as a major motion picture.
Next up for “King Cheetah” is the Nike Outdoor Nationals scheduled for June in Eugene, Oregon. After that, he will look to compete in the Junior Olympics at the end of July.
