On Track to Tokyo

By Dagen Kipling

Destiny Smith-Barnett, is one of the most decorated track athletes to have graduated from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. Barnett is currently running as a professional athlete. During her time as a rebel, she has competed at the highest levels of competition including the NCAA indoor and outdoor Track and Field Championships. While Destiny's career in Las Vegas is nothing short of spectacular, what may be even more impressive was her journey to becoming a Division I Athlete. 

While competing at UNLV, Destiny scored countless points for the rebels at both indoor and outdoor conference championships, placing in the top three consistently in her events. She competed for the rebels multiple times at the NCAA Championships, the highest collegiate level of competition. But out of all the accomplishments Destiny’s proudest achievement during her time as a Rebel was setting the Mountain West Conference Record in the 100m dash in a blazing time of 10.94 seconds.

Born and raised in Oakland, CA, Destiny grew up practicing martial arts, focusing on karate and taekwondo. She had not even stepped foot on a track until she was in sixth grade, where she only ran for one season. Her return to the track was prompted by a close friend, who asked Barnett if she would go out and run track with her. 

While her running career started later than most, it did not take long for her coach to realize that Destiny possessed the skills and talent to become something great. In the early days of her high school track career, Barnett had no plans past graduation. 

As Destiny neared the end of her high school running career, she had made a name for herself across the state of California.

(UNLV Athletics)

“I didn’t have any plans of going to college back then, I was just running track because my friends were.” Destiny says.

But her coach continued to explain to her how her talents along with training could earn her a college degree and athletic scholarship. 

As Destiny neared the end of her high school running career, she had made a name for herself across the state of California. Her senior year she placed second in the 100m at the 2014 CIF State Championships. Destiny’s speed made her a target for some of the best track universities across the nation. 

During her recruiting process Destiny was looking for two particular things: a coaching staff that would help mold her into a professional athlete and consistent support in the classroom. After a thorough recruiting process, Destiny found these qualities in the coaching staff UNLV.. 

Destiny attributes her success on the track and in the classroom to her two coaches, Yvonne and Larry Wade. With the coaching staff's support and Destiny’s incredible work ethic, she has become one of the top track athletes in the entire country and was the first of her siblings to graduate from a four-year university. 

Currently, Destiny resides in Las Vegas where she continues to train for the upcoming 2021 Olympics. She also plans to run in the Diamond League once competition returns to normal. While COVID-19 has caused Destiny to alter her future plans slightly, her tenacity and drive to succeed has not faltered in the slightest. The world should be keeping an eye out for Destiny Smith-Barnett because she is racing straight to the top and will not rest until she gets there.

You can follow Dagen on Twitter @DagenKipling.