2009 USATF National Junior Olympic Track & Field Championships

The USATF National Junior Olympic Track and Field Championships are over. The events were held from July 28 - August 2 and it sure was full of excitement. Being a runner myself, I love reading about events such as these, especially this event which is filled with youth. It is encouraging to see such great participation and great talent by our youth in a sport that I love so much.

Here Are the Age Divisions for the Championships
Bantam (B) (BORN: 1999 and later)= Ages 10 and under
Midget (M) (BORN: 1997-1998)= Ages 11-12
Youth (YT)(BORN: 1995-1996)= Ages 13-14
Intermidiate (I) (BORN: 1993-1994)= Ages 15-16
Young (Y) (BORN: Aug 3, 1990-1992)= Ages 17-18

Anybody familar with track and field should be amazed by the following performances at these championships:

Ashley Aldredge: Female (Y)Ages = 17-18
- Javelin Throw 600g of 45.27m (New Record)

Kendall Baisden: Female (YT)Ages = 13-14
- 100m in 11.73 (New Record)
- 200m in 23.69 (New Record)

Ciarra Brewer: Female (I)Ages = 15-16
- Triple Jump of 12.94m (New Record)

Lauren Chambers: Female (Y)Ages = 17-18
- Hammer Throw of 53.55m (New Record)

Erik Garcia: Male (YT)Ages = 13-14
- 3000m in 9:08.13 (New Record)

Aaron Hanna: Male (M)Ages = 11-12
- Discus Throw 1kg of 39.32m (New Record)
- Shot Put 6lb of 15.77m (New Record)

Lauren Loader: Female (B)Ages = 10 and under
- Long Jump of 5.13m (New Record)

Bryce Love: Male (M) Ages = 11-12
- 200m in 23.37 (New Record)
- 400m in 50.75 (New Record)

Daesha Rogers: Female (B)Ages = 10 and under
- 800m in 2:23.16 (New Record)

Raevyn Rogers: Female (YT)Ages = 13-14
- 800m in 2:08.17 (New Record)

I find it wonderful that so many young kids are working hard and breaking so many records. The future of American running is looking promising! Congratulations to all the competitors!