Though he has traveled the globe, Barron seldom tours while competing. Focused on his goals, he labors and sets new standards.

For example, during the IAAF World Youth Championships held recently in Bressanone, Italy, Barron, though he finished fourth overall, shattered the American Junior record in the 10,000-meter race walk with a 42:22.79 time.

The previous record of 42:50.20 was set by Ben Shorey in 2002. Barron's performance was the best finish by an American race walker at the World Championships level since Curt Clausen's bronze medal in the 50-kilometer race walk in 1999.

Earlier this year, Barron set the U.S. Junior 20 km record with a time of 1 hour, 37 minutes, 49 seconds at the USA Race Walk Championships held in California. Plus, he won the 10,000 in 43:36.28 during the USA Junior Outdoor Track and Field Championships.

"When we go to these countries, we are there to race," said Barron. "Team USA is spending a lot of money on us so we are not there to sightsee."

Hence, when Barron arrives in Trinidad, he'll have his sights set on a medal, something that eluded him in Italy despite his record pace. In Bressanone, Barron started in 20th position and picked off walkers as the race progressed. He kept a steady 4:14 pace per kilometer.

"I started at a pace I could hold while the rest of the leaders started fast and ended up slowing down. I knew a lot of them would start out fast. It's better to be able to speed up in a race, particularly when you know the rest of the pack will slow down.

"While I was happy I had a good time--it was a personal best by over a minute and that was a very good time for me and a youth in general--I was disappointed with fourth place. So I want to improve upon fourth place and medal but I can't control what the others do."

Back in August of 2006, epilepsy controlled Barron's position in the athletic world. Seizures prevented him from pursuing his swimming career yet he still attempted to run cross country. Brain surgery, however, quelled the attacks--he has not suffered one in three years--and Barron resumed his race walking, a skill he has honed since age 7.

"I missed swimming at first. I even tried to come back after (the surgery) but I have other opportunities now and I enjoy what I'm doing. I've made a lot of friends and I get to travel a lot and meet other people," Barron said.

Through race walking, Barron developed a strong tie to Tim Seaman. The two-time Olympian coaches the South Park Track Club member. In fact, though he is schooled at home by his father, Bruce, Barron may forego college after this his senior year to train in San Diego and in Albany with Seaman. Both have their eye on the 2012 Summer Olympics in London.

"We haven't really discussed goals for next season. Sure I'd love to go to the Olympics but I'll only be 19 in 2012."

Though history reveals walkers peaking around 30, the age of the elite racers has dropped dramatically with the emergence of Alex Schwazer. Tall and lanky like Barron, the 24-year-old Italian won a gold medal in the 50 km walk and set a new Olympic record with a 3:37:09 time at the 2008 Summer Games in Beijing, China.

"So maybe if I keep improving," Barron said. "Maybe some day. To an extent though my best days are ahead of me."

While World Juniors is on the horizon next July in Canada, a showdown with Schwazer is inevitable should Barron continue to rise. "Alex is somebody that I would really like to meet," he said.

If and when Barron does meet his idol, then rest assured it will be business before pleasure.