Pensacola welcomed athletes from 8 to 18 years of age during the final week of June to compete at the AAU Region 9 (2) Qualifier in preparation for the AAU Junior Olympic Games in Des Moines, Iowa, beginning August 1st through the 8th.
Here are a few athletes you need to keep an eye on as the summer's biggest track & field extravaganza nears.
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2026 AAU JUNIOR OLYMPICS (Aug. 1-8)
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Isaac Rosius, Charger Elite TC - 14 Boys
Rosius claimed the high jump title while also qualifying for the AAU Junior Olympic Games in both hurdle events, finishing second in the 100m hurdles and third in the 200m hurdles.
The Charger Elite standout returns to Des Moines after competing in four events at last year's AAU Junior Olympic Games, where he placed 16th in the high jump. With another year of experience and continued development, Rosius will once again have multiple opportunities to compete against the nation's best.
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Tahjai Clement, Florida Elite TC - 15-16 Girls
Clement won both the 100m dash and long jump, defeating several of the top athletes in her age division at the AAU Region 9 Qualifier. The freshman has enjoyed a breakout outdoor season, highlighted by personal bests of 11.93 in the 100m, which came at last week's regional meet, and 18-7.5 in the long jump, which helped her qualify to her first FHSAA regional meet.
Her performances in Orlando secured her first trip to the AAU Junior Olympic Games following a breakout spring and summer season. With success in both the sprints and jumping events, Clement enters Des Moines as one of the more intriguing all-around athletes in her division.
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Meeko Oliver, Speed Starz TC - 11 Boys
Oliver completed another distance sweep, winning the 800m, 1,500m, and 3,000m just three weeks after capturing all three titles at the Lakeland District Qualifier. He also set a personal best of 2:31 in the 800m, continuing an undefeated summer across the distance events.
The Speed Starz standout returns to the AAU Junior Olympic Games after placing 10th in the 1,500m last year. Oliver returns after a string of dominant performances throughout the qualifying season and should be one of the top contenders across all three distance races.
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Jada Hall, FL - 12 Girls
Hall swept the throwing events, winning the discus, shot put, and javelin to qualify for her third AAU Junior Olympic Games. The defending national champion in the discus has remained undefeated in the event this season, a streak that includes a victory at the AAU Club Championships in Jacksonville.
She also returns to the national event looking to earn All American honors in the shot put, after earning a bronze medal in the event at last year's summer showcase, giving her multiple opportunities to reach the podium once again. With national experience and another dominant summer behind her, Hall will be one of the favorites in the throws next month.