By Antonio R. Harvey | OBSERVER Staff Writer
Sacramento proved again last month that it remains a national leader in hosting major track and field events.
Thousands of young athletes from across the country competed for national titles at the 2022 USATF National Junior Olympic Track and Field Championships, held July 25-31 at Hornet Stadium on the Sacramento State campus.
The Junior Olympics are USA Track and Field’s marquee youth program and feature a progressive qualifying procedure, with athletes advancing from association championships to regionals and, ultimately, national championships.
Organizers reported on the event’s last day that 55 finishers became USATF national champions.
Youth athletes ages 7 to 18 tested their mental and physical skills against their counterparts from nationwide while gaining valuable competition experience for the rest of their track and field careers.
Thirteen champions were crowned on day one, highlighted by distance action in the race walk and steeplechase, as well as several impressive marks in the hammer throw. Day five highlights included meet records, blistering finishes and come-from-behind victories.
