Our Boca Warriors spent this past week in Des Moines, IA, for the 2023 AAU Junior Olympics. Over the course of the week, our athletes competed in the 800m, 1500m, 3000m running events, as well as the Javelin and Discus.
Coach Crate going over race-day strategies, and the team participating in the Celebration of Athletes
Our Medalists and All-Americans
Arielle Gorlovetzky: National Runner-Up & Silver Medalist in the 1500 meters!
Arielle capped a stellar 2023 Track Season, grabbing Silver and being the National Runner-Up in the 1500 meters (9 year-old division) of the 2023 2023 AAU Junior Olympics.
Running against the best in the nation, she blasted through the finish line with a time of 5:30:59, besting her personal mark by 9 seconds. This is also the fastest 2nd grade time ever in Boca Warrior team history!
Just before the last lap, Arielle was in 6th place, made her move and broke from the group going into the last lap. With Warrior parents and fans cheering her on, Arielle battled down the home stretch to secure that Silver medal - and All-American status.
* Milesplit interviewing Arielle about her race (may need to turn sound on)
See the full interview @ https://www.milesplit.com/videos/667768/arielle-gorlovetzky-takes-a-close-second-in-the-aau-jo-1500m
see the full 1500m race video at https://www.milesplit.com/videos/667762/youth-girls-1500m-finals-2-age-9
Arielle also finished 9th in the Nation in the 800 meters, with a new personal best time of 2:48:95.
Arielle getting it done
Mason Polonia: Brings Home the Bronze with an Epic 3000 meters Finish !
Mason made us all proud with his 3rd place Bronze Medal finish in the 3000 meters (11 year-old division) with a time of 10:34:77, and getting All-American status.
... but it was the way he finished that made us all get on our feet to cheer.
Coming down the stretch, Mason was not to be denied. Digging deep, Mason put on the jets and crossed the line .00.01 seconds ahead of the next runner !
Mason also made his AAU statement with an 11th place finish in the 1500m, and with a new PR time of 5:02:61. This time set a new team record for 5th graders.
Mason rounded out his AAU experience with a 27th place finish in the 800 meters with a time of 2:34:14.
Check out the 3000m replay to see the exciting finish !!
see the full race video at https://www.milesplit.com/videos/667276/youth-boys-3k-championship-finals-2-age-11 (subscription)
Mason in action
Bonus Clip of Mason & Dylan !
Dylan Vining: Triple Threat in Action
Dylan Vining (11 year-old division) ran as a triple threat in this year's Junior Olympics. Competing in 3 events (800m, 1500m and 3000m).
800 meters: runner up in his section new PR 2:29:70, placing 17th overall
1500m: (16th) = 5:04:58 = new PR = 2nd best time for 5th grader in team history
3000m: Just missed All-American status: 10th place finish with a time of10:50:85
Our other Boca Warrior Olympians provided more fireworks, spectacular efforts and fantastic finishes
The rest of our Olympic runners and throwers stepped up big too, and put their whole heart and positive attitude into their first ever Junior Olympics experience.
For many, their training started in January, and they took advantage of their time in Des Moines to create lasting memories and friendships.
Training hard together, breaking bread and sharing laughs, these teammates cheered each other on throughout the week.
One of our Warrior Mom's said it great: "What an experience for our kiddos!! Thank you Coach and team and many thanks Jody and Jaime for the photos!" - Tracey
Valentina Giraldo finished with a strong time of 2:57:65 in the 800 meters (11 year-old division)
Barbarita Jedlicka took 2nd in her section for the 800m and 20th overall new PR time of 2:35:65. She also got a new 9 second PR in the 1500m (24th overall) with a time 5:29:05. (12 year-old division)
Adriana Perrette got a new PR in the 1500m (18th) with a time of 5:30:79 (11 year-old division), showing guts and determination throughout the race.
Mila Valderrama ran strong in the 1500m, with a time of 6:40:11 (8 and under), as one of our youngest runners, making sure the Warrior future stays bright.
Banks Stroup competed like a true Warrior, digging down deep and getting an awesome time of 5:20:49 in the 1500m (14th) (10 year-old division)
Nicholas Valderrama represented the Throwing part of our team well with great form and focus. Competing in the 12 year-old division with new PR's in the Discus (35th): 21.67m (71-1¼) and Javelin: 56-1
Oliver Valderrama (11 year-old division) ran great, getting a new 12 second PR in the 3000m with a time of 13:08:06 (32nd overall) and a time of 6:07:80 in the 1500m. Oliver definitely has a great running future.
Big Shout-out and Thank You! to Jamie & Jody for providing fantastic pictures of our Olympians
These (pictures) are absolutely amazing! I love the personality, heart, and determination behind each athlete! Thank you so much for these!! - Lauren
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