Special report to Deltaplex
Track and field has been a dream for many kids around the city of Pine Bluff and the world. For these young athletes, competing against the toughest in the nation can be daunting. But with familiar names such as Noah Lyles, Sha’Carri Richardson, and Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone competing at the 2024 USATF Olympic Team Trials has given much hope to the next generation. The USATF organization features the best track and field athletes from around the country. With the world’s most popular sport, USATF is able to nationally televise the world’s best competitors – including our Pine Bluff youth. These young athletes were able to compete with the best in the nation and bring home impressive accolades for the city’s teams and their families. Teams that competed include the Louis Moss Striders and an unattached team.
Deshawn Roy, 8, became a 3x all-american this season placing 3rd in the country in both the boys (8U) 200M with a time of 30.07 seconds and 3rd in the boys (8U) 100M with a time of 13.86 seconds. He also came in 8th place in the boys (8U) long jump with a distance of 3.65 meters.
Myron Edwards Jr, 10, became a 2x all-american athlete, earning his 2nd place status in the triathlon with a score of 679. Not only that but he became #2 in the country in boys (9-10) high jump with a height of 1.26 meters.
Joshua Frazier, 14, finished 4th in the nation – becoming another Pine Bluff all-american athlete among the 13-14 age division in triple jump with a distance of 12.26.
Creston Thomas Jr, 7, competed in the boys (8U) turbo javelin and placed 8th in the country – becoming the only 7 year old to throw a distance of 19.23 meters.
Other participants that competed were Zaniyah Austin, Cameron Baggett, Bryce Bennett, Danielle Edwards, Joshua Frazier, Jaydn Green, Genesis Hampton, Joe Page IV, Eden Thomas, Xristi Thomas, and Yo’el Thomas.
The USATF National Junior Olympic Championships was held at Texas A&M University in College Station, TX July 22-28, 2024.
