Article and Photography by Alice Mary Herden
Four Hernando County student-athletes are set to compete in the 2019 Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) Junior Olympics Games in Greensboro, NC.
Brothers, Alex and Andrew Wilson with their sister Alysia Graham along with David Richards, qualified after placing in the AAU District Qualifier track meet held at Osceola High School back in June.
All of these kids are unattached athletes, meaning they do not belong to any track and field clubs or organizations. Being individual competitors gives them the freedom and opportunity to compete as well as grow independently in a variety of competitions.
“I enjoy track because the amount of hard work and commitment you put into practice, directly affects the next meet. The harder you work and focus on perfecting your technique during practice, it will show up in your marks or times in the next meet,” Richards said. “You can always improve in some way every day, and track shows you how that is possible.”
Their adventure continued at ESPN Sports Track and Field Complex in Orlando for the Nationals and each one secured a spot to move forward.
Anthony Wilson
100 Meter Hurdles
200 Meter Hurdles
High Jump
Alysia Graham
100 Meter Hurdles
400 Meter Hurdles
Triple-long Jump
Alex Wilson
80 Meters Hurdles
David Richards
110 Meter Hurdles
400 Meter Hurdles
Triple-long Jump
July 29 begins the week-long event as these kids will be among hundreds of racers going for the gold during the 2019 AAU Junior Olympics Games at North Carolina A&T – Aggie Stadium.
For the three siblings, Alex, Anthony and Alysia it’s about the challenges they face on the track as well as working harder to reach their own goals.
“I feel excited because I did the same thing last year but didn’t get to the Jr. Olympics. I am just glad I made it this year,” Alysia said. “I am going to try my best to bring home a medal.”
“I feel great about it because it gives me the opportunity to race other people I never race against,” Alex said. “It can be a motivator to improve my time.”
With less than a week of practice these four student-athletes will be pushing themselves to set and break individual goals.
Follow them on their incredible journey as they push for the gold: http://www.aaujrogames.org/
