Mia Williams of Tega Cay qualified for the 2026 AAU Junior Olympic Games in both the long jump and the triple jump at the AAU Club Nationals track and field meet in Jacksonville, Florida, last weekend.
Williams, who competes for the Charlotte Flights track club, placed sixth in the women’s 17 and 18 triple jump with a mark of 11.49 meters, or 37 feet, 8.5 inches. In the long jump she finished eighth at 5.29 meters, or 17 feet, 4.25 inches. Both marks qualified her for the Junior Olympic Games, according to the meet results.
The AAU Junior Olympic Games is the largest youth multisport event in the country. The track and field portion takes place at Drake Stadium on the Drake University campus in Des Moines, Iowa, during the first week of August. Athletes reach the Games by posting qualifying marks at regional and national meets during the season.
Williams competed in a deep field in both events. The triple jump final was decided by less than a foot at the top, and she placed sixth against club athletes from across the region.
Williams is scheduled to compete in Des Moines when the track and field events open in early August.
Source: AAU Club Nationals official results.
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Thomas Hyslip lives in Tega Cay with his wife and daughter. After 27 years in the U.S. Army and Federal Law Enforcement, he retired to pursue his passion for teaching. Tom is now an Assistant Professor of Instruction at the University of South Florida. In 2 short years he has won 10 awards from the South Carolina Press Association, including first place in column writing, education beat reporting and best podcast.
