With determination Jayda Bushling pushes herself to compete in the Junior Olympics.. Photos submitted by Marcie Ellis Bushling
An experience of a lifetime and one that makes her want to try again next year. This is the continuing story of one of our own that pushed herself to have the opportunity to qualify for the Junior Olympics.
Jayda Bushling, gave it her best effort and completed this year’s goal of making it to the National Junior Olympic Track & Field Championships meet in Texas. She has stated that she hopes to have the same opportunity next year. She faced a lot of adverse conditions, but persevered and performed at a level that gave her the confidence to not give up on her dream.
Because of weather conditions causing all kinds of issues for the meet directors to place the championships on hold. They stopped the meet on several occasions due to lightning in the area. They had to do this for obvious safety reasons. But this caused the athletes problems as their routines were disrupted. Another issue for Bushling came in the way of a medical one. She battled this during her time in Texas, but continued to push forth and make the effort. Bushling stated, “It was a great experience. I had fun and look forward to returning next year, but to more events.”
There were well over 300 teams that had athletes make it to this meet. Plenty of competition and plenty of down time as all the events were held in one place. The effort put forth by the athletes that battled adversity can only be summed up as an exceptional experience. Not every one was a winner, but just making it to this prestigious event can only be described as being the definition of a winner.
Getting the chance to run at a college track and field venue made it a lasting experience for Bushling. The atmosphere of the competition was a loud one according to Bushling. She said, “There were so many people there and it was loud with cheering. I was impressed by the field and that it was specific to track. It was super cool.”
When her time in Texas was coming to a close, Bushling looked back and had the realization that along the way, there were plenty of people that offered their support in the accomplishing her goal. She and her family want everyone to know this support was greatly appreciated. From the individuals that gave their support to each organization that was eager to lend a helping hand.
Needles to say, the countdown for the next attempt at qualifying for the Junor Olympics has already begun. And it is a safe bet that Bushling will give it her all in heading back to accomplish a bigger goal.
