Today we’d like to introduce you to Valynsia Calhoun
Hi Valynsia, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
My siblings and cousin ran track so I’ve always in some manner been around the sport.
In 2017, I ran at field day. That’s when I realized I was very competitive. I remember winning all of my races that field day. After that, my teacher referred me to her son’s personal trainer who became and still is my coach and personal trainer (Coach Franklin). He has helped me navigate through the youth track and field world since the age of 8/9 years old.
I’ve gotten to where I am today through hard work, determination, and perseverance as well as the amazing support system that I have around me.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It has not been a smooth road. Some of the challenges I have faced along the way include a hamstring injury and coming short of my goals that I have set for myself. Despite these challenges, I continued to lean into my religious faith as well as revisit and revise my plans. I refuse to allow myself to wonder in my shortcomings for too long.
We’ve been impressed with Youth Track and Field, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
What we should know?
I am 14 years old, however because of my late birthday, I compete against girls in the 15-16-year-old youth track and field division. Also, since I was younger, I have watched Tara Davis and compared our track and field careers so that I can reach her level when I get older, and so far, I’m well on my way.
What do you specialize in?
I specialize in the long jump and hurdles (short and long).
What sets you apart from others?
Aside from my athleticism, I am very smart, and I take pride in my studies. I am in the Pre-International Baccalaureate program and I participate in other extracurricular activities such as National Junior Beta Club, the debate team, and book clubs. I am also a member of a local fitness club where I join in with some of the other members during “boot camp” and lifting sessions.
What are you most proud of?
Despite being only 14 years old, I have impressive personal bests for my age. I jumped 19 feet 9 inches in the long jump and ran 1 minute and 1 second in the 400-meter hurdles, both at national level meets. I also hold the New Balance Middle School National Long Jump Record.
How can people work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
The community and others can follow me on social media sites such as Instagram at @ijump.valynsia. They can also follow me on TikTok at @jumpingwith.valynsia. I want people to keep up with my journey and watch me grow as a person and athlete.
Before yearly national meets, I have fundraisers to help offset costs of travel and other expenses. Information on the fundraisers is released months in advance to those meets on my social media.
My track team, Lane4 Track Club (@lane4trackclub), is a nonprofit youth organization and they also hold fundraisers to help members of our team with travel and other expenses related to the sport. Information on the fundraisers is released months in advance to those meets on their social media.
As far as collaborating with me, my Personal Relations Officer can be contacted through email at variahcalhoun@gmail.com.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @ijump.valynsia
- Other: @jumpingwith.valynsia — TikTok
