Then the second-graders line up for the thirty-yard dash and I don't even bother to turn my head to watch cause Raphael Perez always wins. He wins before he even begins by psyching the runners, telling them they're going to trip on their shoelaces and fall on their faces or lose their shorts or something, which he doesn't really have to do since he is very fast, almost as fast as I am.

In the passage, Raphael Perez is characterized as a confident and competitive individual. Squeaky describes him as someone who has a natural advantage in racing due to his impressive speed, indicating that he is a formidable opponent. His ability to "psych the runners" with teasing comments demonstrates not only his confidence but also a sense of dominance over his peers. This psychological edge he uses—by playing mind games and instilling doubt in other runners—suggests that he is not just fast but also strategic and perhaps a bit cocky about his abilities. Overall, Raphael Perez is portrayed as a skilled and somewhat intimidating competitor, further emphasized by Squeaky's resignation to his wins, which suggests that he is well aware of his prowess and uses it to his advantage.