News Search

News

Laughlin to send two to National Junior Olympics

  • Published
  • By Gaby Jimenez
  • 47th Flying Training Wing public affairs
LAUGHLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  Two Laughlin youths have an upcoming trip to New Orleans for the National Junior Olympics competition scheduled to take place Aug. 1 through 6.

Ashley and Vincent Terrell Jr., children of Maj. Vincent Terrell, 47th Communication Squadron commander, and Machelle Terrell, 47th Flying Training Wing sexual assault response coordinator, have been training for the competition since Spring.

Ashley, 11 years old, will compete in the 80-meter hurdles. Vincent, nine years old, will compete in the 200-meter and 100-meter dashes.

This is Vincent's second time competing in the NJO. Last year, he finished twelfth out of 85 competitors in the 100-meter Primary Division and his relay team placed sixteenth out of 45 teams. His goal this year is to place in the top eight, he said.

"Everything was so big all around me, there were so many people and I had so much fun," said Vincent.

A few of the other events taking place are baton twirling, bowling, flag football, gymnastics, karate, powerlifting, swimming, wrestling, jump rope and field hockey. Each event has different age groups that people are categorized into. The ages range from eight and under to 24 and up.

Vincent said he was nervous as he walked out onto the field last year, but when he found out how he did he knew it was good for his first time competing there. He also said he has been working harder this year and practicing for longer amounts of time because he knows what he has to do to reach his goals.

"I know I'll do better this year. I can't wait," said Vincent.

Ashley and Vincent train at the Del Rio High School track and with a coach in San Antonio. While they are here, their mom coaches them and keeps them motivated by doing warm-ups with them. They practice almost daily for about two hours.

"My mom always tells us hard work will beat talent when talent starts to get lazy," said Ashley.

Vincent does more than just run track. He plays football, lacrosse and hockey and has been an All-American Wrestler. But right now, he's focused on the NJO.

"I know I've got some competition this year, but I'm ready to give it all I've got," he said.

Ashley said she likes it that she and her mom can spend time together, but that she and the rest of her family do other fun things together, too.

"Even though it's my first time competing in the Olympics and I probably will be nervous when my turn comes up, I think I have worked hard and I'm excited to see how things turn out. Just being there I know will be a fun experience," said Ashley.

Ashley and Vincent enjoy having friendly family competitions. Sometimes their dad goes out to help them practice and Ashley said this makes them even more motivated.

"Ashley's pride is in her education. This hurdle competition may be new to her, but I am glad she decided to try it and to continue growing with new experiences and abilities," said Machelle.

To be in the NJO, Ashley and Vincent had to place in the top five in their event at the 2011 Amateur Athletic Union Track and Field National Qualifier meet.

"It's not easy to make it into the NJO. Kids from all over the United States attend and all of them placed in the top spots at district and regional levels. I'm very proud that both Ashley and Vincent have this great opportunity to compete at such high levels and that their determination is so strong," said Machelle.