Roy ‘Robot’ Martin

Considered among the greatest high school sprinters in United States history, Roy ‘Robot’ Martin blazed the 200 meters in 20.13, a record still standing after 28 years. He set Memorial Stadium track on fire and electrified over 30,000 spectators at the UIL state meet a year after finishing fourth in the 200 at the 1984 U.S. Olympic Trials, earning an alternate’s spot on the Olympic team.

In 1986, he not only appeared on the cover of Track & Field News, but he also helped SMU claim the NCAA Outdoor Track & Field Championship. A graduate of Roosevelt High School, ‘Robot’, so nicknamed by a middle school girl for his running style, ran for legendary DFW coach and TTFCA Hall of Famer Earnest James.

On July 20, 1988, in Indianapolis, Martin recorded his 200 p.r. – 20.05 seconds. He then participated in the 1988 Summer Olympics before embarking on a coaching career. When one researches internet blogs and continually reads the praises, it’s easy to see why Martin’s name is etched in U.S. sprinting history.

Roy ‘Robot’ Martin will be inducted into the TTFCA Hall of Fame January 4, 2013 at the TTFCA Hall of Fame ceremony after Friday’s last speaker at the Track & Field Coaches Clinic of Texas.  For more information contact ttfca@hotmail.com