Northern Virginia Brother and Sister Obtain All-American Status and Multiple Medals in Throwing Events at the 2023 AAU Junior Olympic Games for the Second Year in a Row
08/08/2023
Brother and sister win big at the 2023 AAU Junior Olympic Games for second year in a row
DES MOINES, IOWA (August 8, 2023) -- Michael James, Jr., age 13, and Silease James, age 11 (competes in the 12-year-old division), with the Dale City Lightning Track Club of Northern Virginia, competed and succeeded in not one, but multiple throwing events at the 2023 AAU Junior Olympic Games (July 28-August 5, 2023) in Des Moines, Iowa.
Last year, at the 2022 AAU Junior Olympic Games, this brother and sister duo achieved a goal that they worked so hard for and this year it was no different. Michael began competing in field events when he was 6 years old, and Silease began when she was 8 years old. Since they have started competing, they have both been consistent in their training and their performances on a national stage.
Their father, Michael James, Sr., who is also their coach and founder of James Family Throws and Training, a nonprofit organization purposed in training athletes to compete in field events, works very hard to study technique videos and training tips to assist them in reaching their goals of being the best. Not only does he train them, but he serves as the throws coach for Dale City Lightning Track Club and has a passion for field events that can be seen in every interaction he has with any athlete that crosses his path.
The coach’s passion for the throwing events definitely made its way to the athletes and both Michael Jr., and Silease were able to bring back multiple medals once again! Drake University, in Des Moines, Iowa, served as the backdrop for the three throwing events that caused spectators, and even the competition, to pay attention.
Competition in discus, javelin and shot put was greater than it has been in the past as everyone that they have competed with has gotten bigger and stronger and more skilled in each of the events. However, both Michael Jr., and Silease did not let that stop them. They both used the training and drills from the past couple months to fuel them, and they pulled from deep inside to capture success.
The Result
Way to go Michael James, Jr., and Silease James! The world is watching #BroSisDuo and we look forward to seeing what’s next for both of you. Keep up the great work!
Last year, at the 2022 AAU Junior Olympic Games, this brother and sister duo achieved a goal that they worked so hard for and this year it was no different. Michael began competing in field events when he was 6 years old, and Silease began when she was 8 years old. Since they have started competing, they have both been consistent in their training and their performances on a national stage.
Their father, Michael James, Sr., who is also their coach and founder of James Family Throws and Training, a nonprofit organization purposed in training athletes to compete in field events, works very hard to study technique videos and training tips to assist them in reaching their goals of being the best. Not only does he train them, but he serves as the throws coach for Dale City Lightning Track Club and has a passion for field events that can be seen in every interaction he has with any athlete that crosses his path.
The coach’s passion for the throwing events definitely made its way to the athletes and both Michael Jr., and Silease were able to bring back multiple medals once again! Drake University, in Des Moines, Iowa, served as the backdrop for the three throwing events that caused spectators, and even the competition, to pay attention.
Competition in discus, javelin and shot put was greater than it has been in the past as everyone that they have competed with has gotten bigger and stronger and more skilled in each of the events. However, both Michael Jr., and Silease did not let that stop them. They both used the training and drills from the past couple months to fuel them, and they pulled from deep inside to capture success.
The Result
- Michael James, Jr., a 2023 AAU Junior Olympian 3x All-American, is the 2nd nationally ranked 13 year old male in shot put (46’4” throw), the 3rd nationally ranked 13 year old male in discus (148’11” throw), and the 8th nationally ranked 13 year old male in javelin (104’5” throw).
- Silease James, a 2023 AAU Junior Olympian 2x All-American, is the 2nd nationally ranked 12 year old female in shot put (37’11.5” throw) and the 2nd nationally ranked 12 year old female in discus (93’9” throw).
Way to go Michael James, Jr., and Silease James! The world is watching #BroSisDuo and we look forward to seeing what’s next for both of you. Keep up the great work!
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