Valynisia Calhoun competed in the Junior Olympics last year where she earned the title of All American. The 12-year-old track and field star credits her family and her community as being her aspirations to run. Now she is hoping that her community will come out and support her again as she prepares for this year’s National Junior Olympics.
Calhoun will compete in the 13-year-old category and hopes to not only top her performance from last year but exceed it. Calhoun finished fifth overall in the 800-meter hurdles last year. In the long jump, she finished eighth overall. Calhoun stated that although she was happy to add these wins to her already impressive record, she has been training hard to go even further at this year’s meet.
“To prepare for the summer season, I have competed not only with my teammates at John Milledge, but also I have been competing in indoor meets,” she said.
Calhoun is constantly working and just recently earned a national title at the Club Championship. Here she finished as a national champion in the long jump, 13-year-old division. Calhoun will now travel to Greensboro, North Carolina to compete in the AAU Junior Olympic Games. The games will be hosted at the North Carolina A&T University Aggie Stadium on July 29.
Calhoun hopes that other young athletes see her story and are inspired to run after their dreams. Although she has found national fame at a young age, she wants those following her career to know that progress takes time. Her advice to young athletes is, “don’t pressure yourself! Stay consistent, everyone has their time.”
Last year, several members of the community came out to support Calhoun and helped her raise money to compete in last year’s game.
“I was so appreciative,” said Calhoun. “Having everyone come out, and give donations, it made me feel so supported.”
Calhoun is hosting a similar fundraiser this year to help further her way to her next national championship. This year, Calhoun along with her family, friends and close supporters will be selling barbecue plates consisting of ribs, pulled pork or chicken to help raise money. Supporters can also grab a new middle Georgia delicacy, the Jugg Burger to show their support.
Plates will be available for pickup on July 29, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. and can be picked up at the Walter B. Williams Soccer Field. Delivery options are also available. Anyone interested in pre-ordering plates or making a donation to get her to the gold, can do so by contacting her sister Variah Calhoun, at (762)383-4443.