More than a handful of Cuero Track and Field athletes qualified for a national AAU track and field event called Junior Olympics.  Their performance at a national qualifier is what put them over the top.

"I did really good," said Shanice Nelson, who qualified for 3 Junior Olympics events.  "Did as hard as I could do and I was proud of myself."

"I'm proud of myself, very proud," said Zskaira Williams, who qualified for 3 Junior Olympics events.

"I gave my competition a run for their money," said Billy Rodriguez, who qualified for 2 Junior Olympics events.  "I got a little worried at the end, so I was happy about that."

Cuero summer track started out with around 75 athletes but only 7 were lucky enough to move on to Junior Olympics.

"Really excited, just nervous about the competition, but really excited," said Alexis Rodriguez, who qualified for Junior Olympics in Discus.

"I think I could do really good if I try," said Nelson.

These kids have goals for Junior Olympics and most of those goals are pretty high.

"I'd like to get 1st but I'd settle for 3rd," said Kamron Mathis, who qualifed for Junior Olympics in the Long Jump.

"I think they're pretty good," said Billy Rodriguez.  "I'm confident I'll place in the top 8 and get a medal."

"At least to get 4th," said Nelson.  "If I don't get 4th, I'll still be proud of myself, but at least to get 4th."

Some of these kids will be making return trips to Junior Olympics and some will be going for the first time. But for each athlete competing in Norfolk, Virginia will be the culmination of work put in this summer to achieve that goal.