AUBURN — Edward Little High School indoor track team members and coaching staff received a special Christmas gift Thursday morning before practice.

Former Lewiston High School standout athlete Isaiah Harris, class of 2015, gave gifts of boxes of new Brooks sneakers and apparel. After a short motivational speech by Harris, team members and coaches were each given sneakers and shirts.

Edward Little High School indoor track athlete Hibo Adow is all smiles as she receives a new pair of Brooks running shoes from Isaiah Harris on Thursday morning. Russ Dillingham/Sun Journal

Harris did the same for the Lewiston track team last year, but wanted to “spread the love” this year. Harris was a Maine state champion multiple times, an NCAA Division 1 champion, winner of a prestigious Diamond League race, and a relay team member who set a new world record this past summer.

During his speech, he touched on what it takes to be an exceptional athlete and compete on the world stage.

“It takes a lot of discipline and commitment to rise above your competition. Eating right, getting enough good sleep, having a dedicated work ethic, and a mental commitment that takes a lot of sacrifice and hard work is the key,” he said. “Most of you probably won’t be looking to become a professional athlete, but developing these skills and dedication will help you succeed in anything you do.”

Harris praised several members of the community, his former teachers and LHS Athletic Director Jason Fuller for believing in him and going out of their way to help him get where he is today.

Isaiah Harris, right, points Thursday morning to the Brooks sneakers that Edward Little indoor track athlete Obed Nusumbo had on prior to giving him a new pair. Nusumbo is a big fan of Harris and ran to be first in line to meet the professional athlete. In the back is EL coach Angie Jalbert. Russ Dillingham/Sun Journal

Despite his success, he still longs to make the 2028 Olympic team after falling just short in the past three Olympic trials. Over the summer he had surgery to repair both of his Achilles tendons, and is just now getting back into championship form.

He plans to run a race in Albuquerque, New Mexico next month and another at Boston University on Feb. 8. His immediate goal is to win the US Indoor Championships in New York later in February and compete in the World Championships in China in March.

Edward Little High School indoor track athlete Arielle St. Pierre holds a new pair of Brooks running shoes Thursday morning while Isaiah Harris signs them during an assembly for the team at the Auburn school.. Russ Dillingham/Sun Journal

After the assembly, Harris headed out on the Riverwalk and streets of LA for a “short” 7-mile workout.

Harris is back home in Lewiston for the next week, where he is spending time with family and friends but still following the strict regimen that has enabled him to become a champion.

He flies back to Seattle, Washington on New Year’s Day, where he has been living for the past three years after leaving Nike and becoming a member of the Brooks Beasts Track Club. The Brooks training facility and corporate headquarters are located in Seattle.