Jones brings home bronze
Katelyn Jones had more than her share of obstacles to overcome at the Ontario Federation of School Athletic Associations track and field meet in Ottawa earlier this month.
The 15-year-old, Grade 9 student at West Niagara Secondary School was making her OFSAA debut less than a year after relocating to Canada with her family from their native Trinidad.
Jones was able to put those hurdles behind her and take home a bronze in the novice girls high jump with a leap of 1.55 metres.
“It was nerve wracking because it was my first time doing track and field in Canada because I just moved from Trinidad,” she said. “It was a fun experience but I was really nervous. My family was there to help calm my nerves and my coach said to just do my best and do what I could do and that helped me relax.”
Jones’ leap was just off her personal best of 1.56 metres. Victoria Vaughan of Kitchener Waterloo won the gold with a leap of 1.63 metres.
Jones went into OFSAA on a high note after a strong showing at the Southern Ontario Secondary Schools (SOSSA) meet where she placed first in high jump (1.56m) and also fifth in long jump. She continued her winning ways the following week at regionals where she placed first again with a jump of 1.53 metres.
“I was SOSSA high jump champion so I was confident about that going in,” Jone said. “Then I saw the heights of the other girls and that scared me a bit but I was trying my best to get a medal.”
Jones feels her strong showing will benefit her going forward.
“It helps me a lot. I am so proud and everyone has been telling me I should be really happy because it’s a big accomplishment for me and the school,” she smiled.
Jones trained at a track club in Trinidad before moving to Canada, which she admitted has had it challenges.
“It was hard because I had to leave my family and friends back in Trinidad and then to transition with the weather because there it is really hot and here it’s a mix,” she said.
She is feeling more and more at home in Canada.
“I feel more settled. I have met some amazing friends in West Niagara. It’s been nice and it’s getting hot,” she said.
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