Concordia Teen Headed to 2022 AAU Junior Olympics
A Concordia High School student athlete has qualified to compete in three events at the upcoming AAU Junior Olympics in Greensboro, North Carolina.
13-year-old Grayson Stephens began competing in track at the age of 10. Following the end to his 8th grade school year, Stephens decided to continue his track efforts this summer.
Last month, Stephens entered the 2022 AAU Missouri Valley District Qualifier in Hays unattached, meaning he competed without being a part of any team affiliation. At the meet held at the Fort Hays State University Track & Field Complex, Stephens placed 2nd in the 100M Dash in a time of 11.78 and 3rd in the 400M Dash in a time of 54.38.
Following his performance at districts, Stephens was invited to join the Topeka Blaze Track Club, a premiere youth track club dedicated to enriching the lives of Kansas youth by providing life lessons and opportunities through track and field competition.
At the end of June, Stephens traveled with the Topeka Blaze to Carls Junction, Missouri where he competed in the 2022 AAU Region 16 Qualifier.
At the meet, Stephens improved his 400M time by finishing 3rd overall in a time of 53.45 to qualify individually for the AAU Junior Olympics.
A born sprinter, Stephens says the 400M Dash is his favorite event.
Stephens also qualified for the AAU Junior Olympics as part of the Topeka Blaze Track Club 4x400M Relay team that finished 1st overall in a time of 3:52.36, and the Topeka Blaze Track Club 4x100M Relay team that finished 2nd overall in a time of 47.26.
The 56th annual AAU Junior Olympic Games hosted by the Amateur Athletic Union is the largest youth amateur, multi-sport event in the United States. Over 16,000 athletes from all over the country will descend on Greensboro, North Carolina for the competition. Age groups competing range from 8 to 18 years.
Track & field competition draws the largest crowds and includes the largest contingent of competitors. Those competitions are considered the marquee events of the Junior Olympc Games.
The 2022 AAU Junior Olympics Track & Field events will be held August 1st through August 6th at NC A&T State University's Truist Stadium.