Runner up to her elbows in medals

This year’s Summer Olympic games captivated millions of Americans’ hearts and minds as athletes from all over the world competed for their respective countries. Many U.S. athletes were in the limelight in 2012, and for one local track and field star, it might not be long until she’s the one captivating hearts and minds at the Olympics.

Abigail Jefferies, a soon-to-be third grader at Holy Name of Mary School, participated in her third consecutive Junior Olympics this summer in Baltimore. Abigail, 7, qualified for the 100-meter dash and long jump competitions at this year’s event. It marked the first time in her short racing career that Abigail qualified for two individual events at a single Junior Olympics, and she didn’t miss qualifying for a third, the 200-meter dash, by much.

“It was so exiting,” Abigail said of her time at the Junior Olympics, even though she didn’t place in any events. “It was a long trip, but it was nice.” She and her family have gotten used to making long trips over the past few years, as Abigail has participated in events up and down the eastern seaboard.

Earlier this summer, she placed second in the long jump at the 2012 AAU National Club Championships in Orlando. Her best jump in competition is 11.6 feet, while in practice she once jumped 12.2 feet.

Abigail’s father, Jason Jefferies, is an assistant coach for her track team, the Metro Eagles Track and Field Club, and said he loves watching her compete. Jason and his wife, Kanika, travel to all of Abigail’s events along with their 4-year-old son, Adam.

“When we were watching her jump I must’ve moved my seat about 30 times,” Jason Jefferies said of he and his wife at the Junior Olympics. “We never sit next to each other because I get on her nerves. I’m part dad, part coach.”

Abigail is a polite, easy going 7-year-old, but on the track, her mom said, she’s out there to win. “She’s very competitive and you don’t know until she’s on the track and then she’s like a new girl,” said Kanika Jefferies, who grew up Valley Stream.

For Abigail’s parents, their daughter’s commitment to track and field is also their commitment. When she has a meet out of state, the entire family will drive to the location and make a weekend out of it. “It’s a budget,” Kanika Jefferies said, “so we’re always putting aside for hotels.”

But for both her parents, the commitment is something they’re happy to make. “It’s worth it because she enjoys it,” Kanika Jefferies said. “I don’t ever feel like we’re pushing her.” Even when her mom or dad tells her she has to skip track practice because she has a test coming up, Abigail is quick to prove that she understands her schoolwork so she can attend practice.

Even before she stepped on a track in competition, her parents could sense that she was fast. Then in March of 2010, Abigail ran her first race and started her track career with a win.

Abigail said she is looking forward to start practicing once again with her Metro Eagles coaches and teammates in the coming weeks. The team is based in Queens and practices at Roy Wilkins Park.

“It’s very important that you get involved in a program that makes a kid committed,” Jason Jefferies said, “and then also gives them the skills that they need to not only be a great athlete, but a great person.”

Abigail said her favorite subjects in school are math, science and art. Besides track and field, she is also an avid dancer in her community. This upcoming season, she will move up an age group in competition and will also begin competing in hurdles.

As her budding track career progresses, this may not be the last time you hear the name Abigail Jefferies.