Ambler Olympic Club brought home two dozen medals from the AAU Junior Olympics, which was held from July 26 through August 2 in Humble, Texas.
24 individual medals were earned by 18 AOC athletes: two gold medals, four silvers, one bronze, and 15 medals for 4th to 8th place. Two AOC relay teams won medals: 6th place for the 13-14yo girls 4×800 Relay Team and 8th place for 15-16yo girls 4×800. And all 6 of AOC’s Racewalkers became All Americans, finishing in the top 5.
The club, which is the oldest continuously-operated track club in the U.S., had two repeat first place winners: Shyna Patel—a four-time consecutive national champion from North Wales—won the 3000m 15-16-year-old girls Racewalk in 15:27.40, and Grace Butcher from Norristown won the 12-year-old girls 400m in 56.71 this year and 11-year-old girls 400m in 58.03 last summer.
“This win means a lot to me because it shows my dedication in the sport and the hard work that I put into getting the win,” Grace said. “I think my favorite part of JOs has been cheering on my teammates and pushing each other to be the best on the sidelines.”
“Your dreams are legitimate, no matter how large or unrealistic they may seem to others,” Shyna said. “My goal is to win 7 national titles in a row and make the 2028 Olympic Team!”
Three sets of siblings left with medals and All American status: Shyna’s brother, Saiin Patel, became an All American with his silver medal in the 12-year-old boys 1500m Racewalk (RW). The Evans family’s Keira earned 6th in the (4x400m), Scarlett came in 6th in 12-year-old girls 1500m, and Norah who finished 5th in 9-year-old girls Long Jump. The Chu family has three All Americans: Victoria earned 5th in 15/16-year-old 3000m RW, Isabella earned 2nd in 14-year-old 3000m RW, and Nathaniel earned 2nd in 10-year-old 1500m RW.
“Thanks to the dedication, guidance, and knowledge of our coaching staff, AOC athletes continue to compete on a national level,” AOC Head Coach Mike Howard said. “The exceptional performances in the various events conducted at the AAU Junior Olympics is a true testament of their hard work and dedication.”
Photos: Ambler Olympic Club