Thomas Jefferson Middle School student Jordan Counter recently learned that he has qualified for the Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) Junior Olympics in Houston, Texas. Counter, who is going into seventh grade, will be competing in the high jump event on July 31.
“When I found out, I just felt very honored,” he said. “It’s the Olympics, but for youth. I was amazed.”
Counter, age 13, is a member of the Calumet Region Striders, a prominent running and field events group in Northwest Indiana. He will be joined by fellow Striders Hannah Fitzgerald (9), Emma Fitzgerald (11), Dustin Hudak (12), Kelly Shelton (14), Hope Myroup (15) and Kyle West (15).
“I’ve been competing for the Calumet Region Striders for three years now and it’s amazing,” Counter said. “They have amazing coaches.”
The Striders Porter County staff is led by head coach Sue Brown Nickerson, who is one of the people Counter credits for his tremendous success in the high jump, which has led to his qualification for the Junior Olympics. His mother Diana and TJMS teacher/coach Justin Krenz are also among those that have helped him develop as a young athlete.
Counter started doing high jump in school track before picking up the event this year with the Striders.
“I could jump right away, but I had no form whatsoever so I had to practice every day,” he said. “Mr. Krenz taught me form and the arc that I have to do.”
In addition to his jumping prowess, Counter is also a speedy runner. He finished first in the 100 and 400 in the conference meet, while placing second in the high jump. Two years from now he expects to join the track and field team at Valparaiso High School, with hopes of eventually taking his career to even greater heights.
“I would like to try to make it to the Olympics one day,” Counter said. “That’s just a long term goal, but in the short term I just want to be the best I can be.”
Counter is aware that there will be many talented jumpers battling it out at next week’s Junior Olympics, but his focus remains on getting his job done.
“There’s always one kid that’s way taller than me and he can jump a lot higher than I can, but I’m just going to give it my all and just focus on the bar, not worrying about the competition.”
On top of the thrilling experience of being a Junior Olympian, there are other benefits of qualifying that Counter will enjoy.
“This is my first time going to Texas and we’re staying four or five days,” he said. “We’re visiting a lot of waterparks and it’s going to be a great experience.”