Athlete of the Week: Hervins Chervil, Ocoee High track-and-field

Ocoee High track-and-field athlete Hervins Chervil has been on an upward trajectory his junior season. The runner broke the school record and his personal record in the long jump with his distance of 6.88 meters at the Kowboy Invitational Saturday, March 14. Chervil also recorded a personal record the week prior at the Mustang Relays by running the 200m in 22.53. Within his relay team, the 4x100m group has seen improvements. From its time of 43.64 at the Kowboy Invitational to its time of 42.05 at the 2026 Pepsi Florida Relays High School Friday, April 3, and Saturday, April 4. 

What do you enjoy most about track and field? 

I love track, because it’s fun and challenging, and I enjoy running and trying to improve my speed. It also helps me stay active and motivated. There’s more to it, but that’s just the basics. 

When did you start track and field, and why did you join? 

I started in middle school, and I joined because I used to do every sport at that school. Out of nowhere, I fell I love with track and continued with that career. 

What is your biggest accomplishment in track and field?

My biggest one is jumping the school record. It is something I always dreamed of doing. 

What has track and field taught you? 

It taught me a lot, like having discipline and hard work. Also how to have personal growth and confidence. 

How would you describe yourself as a teammate?

I have a wonderful personality and a good helping hand. I’m a good, reliable person and a good collaborative person. 

What advice would you give someone who just joined track and field? 

Something to tell someone joining track is to come in with your head held high and to always believe in yourself when times get hard. When you feel like giving up to never give up, and have faith in yourself just like God believes in you. 

If you were a coach, what speech would you give the team?

If you can reach it, you can achieve it, meaning if you want to go after your dreams or challenges, you’re going to have to fight to get to the finish line. 

What is your pre-meet ritual?

I close my eyes and imagine I’m running smoothly and crossing the finish line confidently, and this helps me focus and calm my nerves and boost my confidence. 

If you could pick a different sport what would it be? Why? 

I will say football, because I always had a passion for it and want to live that life and see how far it could take me. 

Who do you look up to the most? 

I look up to my family but definitely my mom because she was there for me when I needed her, and I love how independent and brave she is. 

What is something new you’d like to learn?

I would like to learn physical therapy or maybe football. 

Where would you want to live if you weren’t in Florida?

I want to be everywhere, because I always want to travel everywhere and see how the world is and how it works.

If you won the lottery, what would you do with the money? 

I would change my life around and live the life that I always dreamt of living and change some people’s lives too, because not everyone can live that dream. 

What is your favorite holiday? Why?

Thanksgiving or Christmas, because that’s time where everyone comes together and celebrate as a family and with loved ones. 

What future career do you want to have? 

I always wanted a career that could help me and my people to live that life. 

If you became famous, what would it be for? 

I would like to be famous for track or football or something that makes my future perfect. 

If you had to pick a spirit animal, which would you choose?

I have a lot but I will say a lion because they’re fearless and brave. 

What is your perfect day? 

A good Sunday at church would be a perfect day. 

Would you rather only eat fruit or vegetables? Why?

I would rather eat fruit because some good green grapes would be good right now.