Four Kids From Eagan Family To Compete In Junior Olympic Games
MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- The AAU Junior Olympic Games start this weekend in Norfolk, Virginia. A dozen athletes from the Eagan area will be competing just in track alone, including one family a four -- meet the Windels.
Natalie, Elena, and their 8-year-old brothers -- Tommy and Alex -- enjoy the thrill of the race. Eagan Head Girls Track Coach, Rob Graham, has been coaching for over three decades.
"They have a passion for track," said Graham, who added it all starts at the top with their parents, "They lead the group and help the community."
The Windels are at the track every evening and in final preparation to end their summer on top of the podium.
The leader of this family of track stars is the oldest, 15-year-old Natalie.
"I started track in kindergarten so then everyone else was put through it, too," Natalie said.
Natalie is competing for the fourth year the Junior Olympics.
Soon, her younger sister Elena, and twin brother's Alex and Tommy joined her on the starting blocks.
Natalie, along with the rest of the family, is in the final week of training before their trip to Hampton Roads for the Junior Olympics.
"I like running against everyone all over the U.S. and the rush of getting a personal best," Natalie said.
Her specialty for the big meet: hurdles and the heptathlon.
"You have to be low over the hurdle, but you also have to have speed," Natalie said, "If you don't have a good start you might not have a good race."
Her younger sister, 12 year-old Elena, will be jumping but not exactly like her sister.
"I'm not a hurdler," Elena said with a laugh.
Instead ,she's focusing on high jump and the javelin at the upcoming meet.
"You have to the right amount of steps and then you have curve out and go up," she said.
Elena admits she's a bit nervous the early August competition.
"It's pretty nerve wracking going to the J.O. because it's a lot to take," Elena said.
To qualify all four of the kids had to compete in the district meet where the top 16 advance, then in the regional meet where the top six advance in running, the top five advance in field events.
Even the 8-year old twins didn't get a free pass. Despite the high level of competition they seem to be keeping everything in perspective.
"I'm looking forward to swimming in the ocean," they both said.
And even their sisters admit that a little fun under the sun can never hurt.
"Well, one swimming in the beach and two getting to meet a bunch of people all over," Natalie said after being asked about her plans away from the track.
"We only have one day at the beach, but I might get to spend a little more time then my sister," said Elena with a smile.
