Jenna Hoffman wins gold medal in AAU Junior Olympics
CLINTON — Clinton Junior High pole vaulter Jenna Hoffman had plenty of momentum going earlier this year when she took 1st place in the IESA State Finals. That momentum helped her win a gold medal this summer at the national level.
Hoffman took the gold medal at the AAU Junior Olympics, held July 26-Aug. 5 in Des Moines, Iowa. She competed in regional competition to make the cut for the junior Olympics.
“You have to be in the top 16,” Hoffman said. “There were less than 16 in our region, so we automatically qualified.”
Regionals were held this year in Lisle, Ill.
The AAU Junior Olympics draw athletes from a wide geographical area.
“There were people there from around the world,” said Hoffman’s dad, Nick Hoffman.
Jenna Hoffman said there were people from Puerto Rico and Hong Kong, among other places.
Hoffman competed in the 13-under age group. She will be an 8th grader next year at CJHS.
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