While United States swimmer Michael Phelps is in China winning the most golds ever, a young Jackson, Miss. youth just might be a gold medalist in the making.
Jylin Whitlock, 10, a fourth-grader at Wilkins Elementary School, recently competed in the 2008 Hershey Track and Field in Hershey, Pa. He qualified to compete in the national competition by placing first in his area in the Mississippi 2008 Hershey’s Track and Field Games in Gulfport, Miss.
In Gulfport, he placed first (9-10 boys) in the 50 m Dash and in the 200 m Dash. He ran a record-breaking time of 6.97 in the state to qualify for the national. His time beat all Region 4 time, which includes the states of Arkansas, Louisiana, New Mexico, Oklahoma and Texas.
He placed 6th in the nation at the 2008 Hershey National
“This was our first year competing in the Hershey Track and Field,” said Sidney Brown, Kidz Express Sport Coordinator. “We took 30 kids to the local track and field in Jackson.” Kidz Express Day Care, located at 539 Claiborne Ave., owned by Derick and Latasha Williams, was the sponsor.
Whitlock’s trip to the national included an all expense paid four days and three nights by Hershey.
Jylin was recently recognized by the Jackson City Council with a congratulatory statement from Ward 4 Councilman Frank Bluntson.
“I look forward to keeping up with you in your future as you continue to succeed in reaching your goal and making us proud,” Bluntson told Jylin. “Who knows we can look up and see you representing Mississippi in the Olympics.”
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