On May 14th, at the Philadelphia Catholic League track and field championships, 18 year-old Gary Martin became the first Pennsylvania high school athlete to run a sub-4-minute mile with a time of 3:57.98. He became the Nation’s seventh fastest high school time ever recorded beating a 57-year record held by Jim Ryun (3:58.3). What made this feat even more astounding was that Martin did it without a pacer, making him the only runner to naturally break four minutes without one.

Martin also placed first in the 800m with a record time of 1:51.29.

When qualifying for the state finals on May 18th, Martin posted District 12 Class 3A meet records in the 800m with a time of 1:53.26 and also in the 1600m with a time of (4:10.28). 

In the PIAA Class 3A Championship meet on May 27th, Martin broke the 1600m record with a time of 4:01.56 which was set in 2011 by Upper Moreland’s Drew Magaha with a time of 4:07.32. Martin also took first place in the 800m with a time of 1:51.24.

And so, the story begins.

“In a few words, he was smart, funny, and kind. He is an only child, so I think this made him more comfortable with adults than with other kids. That took a little more time,” said Heather Martin, when asked to describe what Gary was like as a child.

That “time” Heather Martin mentioned was definitely worth the wait. Martin found his niche in 2019 when he entered Archbishop Wood High School in Warminster, PA.

“When he came back to track and cross country in high school, it was like he found his people. The Wood team were just all these really wonderful kids who were just like him. That really helped him excel. They are a very supportive group!” said Martin’s mom.

“In the beginning of high school, we never thought he would be seriously involved in sports in college. He was always very smart so we figured he would definitely be able to receive academic scholarships. But by junior year he knew that he definitely wanted to run in college,” said Heather Martin.

By his junior year in high school, Martin was already breaking records, and by senior year it was obvious that the history maker had some serious athletic goals.

“As far as him being a history making athlete, it's kind of crazy! He is still just our little Garybear. But his hard work and complete dedication are amazing and that is what is putting him where he is now,” said Heather Martin. 

Completing that sub-4 mile was a feat unto itself but to do it without a pacer that was just remarkable leaving those watching in awe.

“It's hard to describe. Watching him set the mile record was crazy and overwhelming. We had no doubt he would do it this season, but it was so awesome to have him do it at a PCL meet with all the support from his team, coaches, friends, and local supporters. Just amazing!” said Heather Martin.

“I knew Gary’s name because he came in 7th at the Philadelphia Catholic League cross country championships at Belmont in 2019.  I usually try to match up the names with the faces of the athletes that I capture so it makes it easier to recognize them when they’re competing and know who I’ll be writing about.  Gary would go on to the 2020 indoor T&F season and place 3rd in the mile at the Meet of Champions and 4th at PTFCA (The Pennsylvania Track & Field Coaches Association) Indoor State Championships.  I knew his name already and then I watched him run at States and was impressed by his ability. Right after that meet, Covid shut everything down and there was no 2020 outdoor T&F season. In the Fall of 2020, Gary went on to win the PIAA (Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association) State Championship AA Boys and that really made me take notice, but there still wasn’t an indoor season 2020/2021 and only a few Polar Bear meets outside.  I specifically went to a Polar Bear meet in January ‘21 to see him run and he ran an amazing 4:12.56 Mile in 33-degree windy cold weather. I was absolutely amazed,” said Morgan. 

“I ran against Gary many times during CYO, and it was always a competition in the 800m and the mile. Suddenly one day, Gary showed up at a meet and surprised everyone with the times he began to run. He started to improve ever since then and seeing what he has accomplished to this day just blows my mind and along with everyone else. Everyone looks up to him because of what he has accomplished and how much he has impacted the Archbishop Wood community”, said Piotrowski.

Piotrowski, a standout athlete in his own right, has committed to play football for Ursinus College this fall. Piotrowski, one of the top hurdlers and high jump athletes in the state, lauds Martin for his ability to bring out the best in his teammates and those around him.

“I already knew Gary was going to break the record for the mile before going into the race. After seeing him miss the sub-4 mark at Penn Relays, I could see that he wasn’t satisfied with his time. He came back the next week and worked harder than ever because he wanted it so badly that he did whatever it took,” said Piotrowski. “When watching him run that mile and looking at the times after every lap I knew he was going to go sub-4.”

“Every time he finished one lap, I saw in his eyes that he wanted it more than ever and he was not stopping until he had beaten the record. On his last lap he wanted it so badly and you could tell by the kick he had on the final stretch to finish in a time of 3:57:98. I am so proud of Gary with what he has accomplished in his high school career and it was a pleasure of being his teammate and running alongside with him,” said Piotrowski.

“As amazing as Gary is as a runner, he is an even better person,” said Archbishop Wood athletic director Sue O’Neill.

No doubt Martin’s character can be traced back to his parents. As their son’s main cheerleaders, their modest and also unassuming presence are a constant support at his meets.  

“I think it's something we've always talked about. Especially since he is an only child, we’ve always tried to teach him to remember other’s feelings, not just our own. But honestly, I think it comes very easily to him, it is just his personality,” said Heather Martin.

“I think Gary would say he has a very supportive family system. We always make sure he is where he needs to be. Even if it means driving 13 hours straight through to Alabama so that he can participate in the Running Lane meet at the height of COVID! We only stopped to eat and for a running break,” said Heather Martin. 

Many may wonder where his gift for running comes from… good genes? Maybe? Although his mother insisted, she had nothing to do with it.

“I have absolutely no athletic ability whatsoever. His dad, on the other hand, played soccer as a kid and CYO volleyball all through high school and beyond. He still plays in adult leagues now. So, any athletic ability can definitely be attributed to Rob,” said Heather Martin.

As far as training goes, Martin does not have a personal trainer.  Streleckis, who heads Wood’s boys’ and girl’s track and field programs, has been his rock and guiding force throughout his high school journey.

“His training is really a collaboration between Gary and his Coach, Paul Streleckis. They work so well together. Coach really listens to how Gary is feeling and what he wants to do, then they make a plan.  He is very lucky to have a coach that truly cares about him as a runner and a person,” said Heather Martin.

“It has been a tremendous experience to have someone that loves this sport and to have someone that is willing to engage in the sport the way he has,” said Streleckis.

When preparing for a race Martin keeps it quite simple.

Could the Olympics be in his future? That’s a question Martin himself contemplates.  As for now, Martin’s parents are savoring each moment watching their son culminate an incredible high school journey.

“We both feel so lucky to have such a great kid and it has been wonderful to see him find something he absolutely loves. We want all his dreams to come true, whatever they may be. And of course, run fast and get a degree from UVA. (University of Virginia),” said Heather Martin.

“This is only the beginning for Gary Martin, and he is going to dominate Virginia. They are very lucky to have an athlete like Gary, he is going to accomplish big things there,” said Piotrowski. 

Before heading to UVA, Martin will be competing in his last high school race this weekend at the New Balance Nationals at Franklin Field.