Press Release:
With one of the largest groups of athletes qualifying for 2026 AAU Junior Olympics, 92 track and field athletes from Ambler Olympic Club (AOC) represented the Philadelphia-area and 30 of those local youth athletes finished in the top 8 in 27 events, earning the title All American.
All American Medalists and PRs
Overall, 22 individual medals were earned by 15 AOC athletes: four gold medals, five silvers, and 13 medals for fourth to eighth place. In addition, AOC athletes won medals in 5 relay events: two bronze, two fifth, and one seventh place.
Shyna Patel, a student at Germantown Academy earned gold in racewalk for the fifth year in a row. “I’m super happy to get to do what I love with such supportive parents, teammates, and coaches,” says Shyna Patel. “I can’t wait to continue racewalking and see where this takes me.”
Gregory Wilson, a student at Montgomery Elementary School won medals in four individual events demonstrating his broad athleticism. And Cameron Glenn, a student at Upper Dublin High School, won the 15/16-year-old decathlon with 9 new personal records and first place in javelin (158 ft) and pole vault (12 ft). “I just want to thank all my coaches for their dedication to the sport and their willingness to help me get to where I got. Without their support and help I wouldn’t be where I am,” says Cameron Glenn. “I’d like to also thank my parents for all their help and all the late night trips to the track, and their help in the whole process, and for giving me the opportunity to compete.”
Other gold medalists include Jack Clement, a senior at Wissahickon High School, who won the 17/18-year-old 3000m race walk in 16:33.48 and Gavin Rodriguez who earned 1st in 15/16-year-old javelin with a throw of 184 feet 10 inches.
“Thanks to the dedication, guidance, and knowledge of our coaching staff, AOC athletes continue to compete on a national level, and represent our local communities” says AOC Head Coach Mike Howard. “The exceptional performances in the various events conducted at the AAU Junior Olympics is a true testament of their hard work and dedication.”
Qualifying for AAU Junior Olympics
120 AOC youth athletes qualified for AAU Junior Olympics after competing with athletes from Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Delaware at the annual AAU Region 2 meet in July at Millersville University. AOC also won the AAU Region 2 qualifying meet team trophy. Because of the generous local sponsors’ support (Wawa, Costco, Rita Ice, Dominos, Regal Movie Theater, and Pancheros) 92 athletes were able to travel to Des Moines, Iowa, to participate this year.
The AAU Junior Olympics is an annual event that brings together qualifying athletes from 8-and-under to 18 years old from around the country. It took place at Drake University from August 1st to August 8th.
About About Olympic Club
The Ambler Olympic Club (AOC) is a youth track and field club that started 60 years ago by Philadelphia-area’s legendary and beloved late coaches Larry Wilson and Leon Hill. The club, with more than 250 youth members from Philadelphia, Montgomery, and Bucks counties, is the oldest continuously operating club in the country.
For more information on AOC, visit ambleroc.org.