Update on Aug. 3: Courtland competed in shot put early this morning in Humble. His putting distance was 28’8.25”, which is a personal best for him. He took fifth place in the AAU Junior Olympic Games in this category.
Courtland Waddy, son to Carlton and Brandy Waddy of Wharton, is headed to compete along side thousands of amateur athletes from across the nation in track and field.
His events — 10-year-old Boy’s shot put and long jump.
The Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) is hosting the AAU Junior Olympic Games in Humble, which kicked off Thursday, July 28.
Athletes competing have qualified through district and regional meets throughout the year.
Waddy made his debut to the junior olympics in 2019 at the age of eight.
But he’s back and ready to prove himself once more with a new team and new coach.
He joined Richmond Elite with Coach Germaine Williams, who has seen and trained his fair share of junior olympic athletes.
“When we were looking for a new team for Courtland, I reached out to a coach I met through track, Tony Jones,” Waddy’s mom said. “He told me the closest group he would ever consider sending Courtland to was Germaine Williams’ team.”
Brandy continued, “He demands respect and hard work, but will love a child like his own. We will never run for another team. We love our team. Like, love it, love it! They are family.”
Aiming for All American
Courtland says he feels good and is excited to possibly make it onto the big stage. If he makes it in the top eight, he will, once again, take the platform as an AAU All American Athlete.
“I feel good. This is my second time going,” Waddy told The County Gin. “I made All American last time in shot put and feel good about making it again.”
Waddy is seeded 7th nationally in shot put and 74th in long jump. He is confident in his shot put abilities, but his nerves come with long jump.
He will have a few additional practices before he heads to the junior olympics.
Waddy leaves for Humble on Monday to compete at 8 a.m. Tuesday, Aug. 3 in shot put. He’ll wait until 1:30 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 6 for long jump.
Having a community rallying for Courtland as he represents Wharton County could help ease his competition nerves. Leave a comment and send well wishes to Courtland, Wharton County’s AAU All American Athlete.
Publisher’s Note: We are so proud of you, Courtland and wish you the best of luck! We know you’ll do great!
