Jayda Bushling who competes for the A3 Track team of Bakersfield runs a recent race. Submitted Photo
Jayda Bushling has her mind focused on one thing at the moment, being the best she can be in a 400m race. This young athlete of the Kern River Valley has taken this summer to quest for gold in the Junior Olympics.
Bushling is making a trip to Texas make the USA’s Junior Olympics Team . By the time you read this she will be there acclimating herself to the extreme conditions of Texas. Bushling has run her course and now will try to outperform many other quality athletes that share her passion to make the Junior Olympics Team.
Bushling said, “Being selected to compete in the Junior Olympics is a dream come true. I am incredibly excited and honored to have this opportunity to showcase my skills. I am ready to give my all.” This athlete knows what’s at stake and continues to work hard to make her dream come true.
This young lady is not taking this attempt lightly as she knows the struggle to make it to the top. All summer long she has worked her way through the qualifying meets in order to put herself in this position. Despite all the preparation for the Junior Olympics, Bushling still finds time to practice her skills at other sports. Three times a week she practices with other volleyball players on a beach volleyball court to enhance her strength in both her legs and her core. This is also training for the Kern Valley high school volleyball team.
Most kids look forward to the summer so they can take it easy after a school year. Bushling has been going and going, much like the Energizer Bunny. Besides spending most of her weekend at meets to get to the Junior Olympics qualifying meet. This young lady routinely trains by lifting weights three times a week with fellow female athletes at Kern Valley High School. She also takes four evenings during the week to track practice with her A3 Club team in Bakersfield. The training includes all pieces of the puzzle when it comes to track. Bushling said, “I dedicate four evenings a week to track practice. Focusing on various aspects such as starts, jumps, calisthenics, strength training, sprints and speed work.”
She also knows that a proper diet is a key feature of creating a mind and body connection. She is currently making sure that they line up so she can begin the race to the Junior Olympics. Bushling commented, “In preparation for the Olympics, I prioritize and maintain a healthy diet and ensure my body is in top shape.”
While Bushling is at center stage, she also has considered those who have helped her attain the opportunity at hand. She went on to say, “I want to express my gratitude to my parents for their unwavering support and dedication in getting me to practice and track meets. I also want to thank my coaches from A3 for their guidance and expertise in helping me improve. Special thanks to Teri Ritchison for organizing the GoFundMe page, and to all those who contributed both on the page and in person. A heartfelt thank you to the Mt. Mesa Men’s Club and the Exchange Club for their generous donations, which is enabling me to travel to Texas for the Junior Olympics.”
Bushling knows this road has not been one of solitude, but one where a whole community, including friends and family are wishing her nothing but the best. This endeavor will create a memory for the ages and a story that can be told over and over again.
