Area athletes competing in Junior Olympics

Several young athletes from the Athens metropolitan and surrounding areas are in competition at the 2024 AAU Junior Olympics that are currently being held In Greensboro, N.C.

They are all affiliated with Skyscraper Athletics, and are as follows:

Jacobeon Bolton, a student at Elbert County Elementary School who recently relocated from Athens to Elberton.

Jordyn Lester, a student at Burney-Harris-Lyons Middle School.

Jordyn Johnson, BHLMS

Cheyenne Rucker, Hart County Middle School.

Makenzie Cade, Elbert County Middle School.

Maliyah Smith, a Winder homeschooler.

Ivaney Carter, an Athens 7th grader.

Skyscraper Athletics Director Joshua Bolton provided the following information:

Skyscraper Athletics (also known as SATF Elite) is a local Track and field organization that was established in 2019. Skyscraper Athletics has grown throughout the years and Head Coach Joshua Bolton continuously leads his team to the AAU Junior Olympics Games. This will be Coach Bolton’s fourth time heading to the Junior Olympic Games with multiple athletes. Skyscraper Athletics had 9 Athletes advance to the AAU Junior Olympic Games which include Jacobeon Bolton (Turbo Javelin), Jordyn Lester (100, 200, 4x100 relay), Jordyn Johnson (400m), Cheyenne Rucker (High Jump), Ivaney Carter (4x100 relay), Makenzie Cade (4x100 relay), Rogiie Lane (4x100), Kylie Lawrance (4x100 relay), Maliyah Smith (4x100 relay). Coach Bolton has a special group this year. This whole group could all possibly become All-American.

Coach Bolton also added to his coaching staff which include Jonathan Carter who helps with recruiting, strength and conditioning; Tyson Cade who works with the sprinters, relays and distance crew; and Merzedes Bolton who helps oversee day to day operations as well as photography for the team’s social media.

Notable Achievements & Performances:

Jacobean Bolton

Jacobeon Bolton, competing in the 9 year old age division was crowned champion at the 2024 AAU GA District Championship (GA). Jacobe has been having a solid season this year in the Javelin throws. He was ranked number 1 in the state of Georgia, but got bumped down to 2nd before the District Championships. This added fuel to the fire. As Jacobe remained focused he had one thing on his mind and that was not losing again. Coach Bolton said "He is extremely proud of his son Jacobe. Jacobe placed second last year at the district championship and he was not satisfied and decided he would work harder to bring home a gold medal this year… And he did just that. Jacobe has performed very well all season, even in his other events especially High Jump. Jacobe was ranked 1st in his age division in High Jump as well. Unfortunately he fouled on all of his jumps causing him not to advance to the Region 8 Qualifier.

However, Jacobe was not done yet. Jacobeon has now been crowned the 2024 AAU Region 8 Champion (GA/ SC)! Setting a new personal record, throwing 78ft-2in. This throw now put Jacobe back on top of the ranking. As Jacobe heads into the AAU Junior Olympic Games Coach Bolton said "This was perfect! This is exactly what we needed. A confidence booster. His mom and I continuously preach to him about having a positive mindset, attitude and giving 100% effort. Going into this track meet Jacobeon had that champion mindset; and he literally told us he wasn't going to lose. He dominated and had fun while doing it. This was an amazing experience for me as coach and as his father.

JORDYN JOHNSON

Competing in the 13 year old age division, Jordyn Johnson snatched the AAU GA District Championship title in the 400m Dash (1:00.27). This was a major accomplishment for Jordyn, because she knocked 4 seconds off of her previous time, which was 1:04.81. This ranks her amongst the top sprinters in the nation.  Jordyn Johnson also advanced to the Region 8 qualifier for the 200m Dash and the 4x100m Relay. As her coach I honestly believe Jordyn shocked everybody with that performance, including herself! I knew what Jordyn was capable of, but I expected her to run that time around Regions and go sub 1:00 at the Junior Olympics. This goes to show you how much work she put in preparing for this race. One of the main things we focused on was her breathing; and you better believe her mother made sure she did those drills at home as well. On the way to the Region 8 Qualifier Jordyn Johnson made a pit spot to the Adidas Outdoor Nationals Championship along side her teammate Jordyn Lester. Jordyn Johnson placed 2nd in the 400m dash in her heat but got 26th overall. I told her before going to this meet that it was a high profile meet. The meet was also a great track meet for me to see how she would respond to pressure. There were a lot of teachable moments that Jordyn learned from. Although Jordyn placed 26th in the 400 she redeemed herself in the 4x100m relay placing 3rd overall. Heading into the Region 8 Qualifier Coach Bolton and Jordyn’s main focus was to avoid injuries and remain healthy. Jordyn came out in the 400m Dash very conservative and then she started gaining more momentum as the race went on. As Jordyn attempted to win another title It came down to the wire and both athletes ran step for step. Unfortunately Jordyn did not come out on top but did place 2nd at the Region Championship. Coach Bolton “I was very impressed with her efforts, she fought til the very end. I’m glad we made it out with no injuries. Jordyn has proved consistently that her name belongs in conversations amongst the Elites. Our work here isn’t done and she will prove it again at the Junior Olympics!”

JORDYN LESTER 

Jordyn Lester is the AAU GA District Runner-Up in the 100m dash and 4x100 relay. She also captured a bronze medal in the 200m dash. Jordyn Lester is another local athlete that has caused shockwaves across the nation.  Jordyn Lester competes in the 11 year old age division and has quickly made a name for herself. She is also ranked as one of the top sprinters in the nation. Jordyn Lester continued her dominance at AAU GA District Championships placing 2nd in 100m dash (13.2) and the 4x100m relay (53.3). Jordyn Lester also placed 3rd overall in the 200m Dash (27.6). Coach Bolton said although Jordyn L.  did not double gold in the 100m and 200m dash like everyone predicted, she still had the fastest times overall. We have to do a better job executing in the finals. Jordyn is still growing mentally and physically, but I’m happy with her overall performance.  We will make the adjustment so she can do a better job executing and hopefully we can bring home that gold medal at Regions.” Before focusing on Region Jordyn L. had another big test awaiting, the Adidas Outdoor Nationals Championship. Jordyn L managed to shake off the nerves before her races. She placed 3rd in her heat and 37th overall in the 100m dash setting a new personal record (13.18). She also set a new personal record in the 200m dash (27.36) and the 4x100 relay (50.2). Coach Bolton main focus was to see how well Jordyn would execute throughout her races. He knew she would face adversity and fierce competition.She!had to overcome her nervousness and place herself in a more positive mindset, eliminating self-doubt. Jordyn is currently running with a purpose now and not running just to run. She’s actually understanding and breaking down her races. She’s learning how to respond to adversity and that is the key.After the Adidas Track Nationals Jordyn L. was ready to compete at Region. Despite having very short recovery time, Jorydn L was looking forward to being crowned champion. Jordyn L dominated the prelims as expected. The finals didn’t go as planned.Jordyn L. got off to a slow start but managed to sneak her way into one of the top 5 spots qualifying for the Junior Olympics. Jordyn was furious about her performance in the 100m. Coach Bolton gave her final words of encouragement leading into the 200m. Jordyn was definitely not looking to make the same mistake twice. She came out very strong putting pressure on the top seeded sprinter from Georgia. Jordyn L made her move as she made her final push to the finish.  Jordyn with every step got closer and closer which brought the crowd to their feet, but Jordyn L. was just shy of being crowned champion in the 200m dash.She placed 2nd overall. She ran another personal best of 27.02, which ranks her 11th in the U.S! Coach Bolton Said “Even though Jordyn L didn’t get the Gold. I’m extremely proud of her because she learned a valuable lesson. She learned how to fight back and make adjustments during her race.She now has to keep that same mentality and continue to be consistent! We can see clearly how much she wanted to win and reach her goal. I am so proud and excited to see her perform at the 2024 AAU Junior Olympic Games I’m pretty sure it’ll be her best performance yet!” 

Cheyenne Rucker

This is year number two for Cheyenne Rucker. Cheyenne have a lot of unfinished business to take care this year. She double gold in the 100m hurdles along with high jump; She also place 3rd overall in the 200m dash at the 2023 AAU GA District Championship. Going into the 2024 season Cheyenne set multiple personal records at the Georgia MS Track and Field State Championship. She placed 6th overall in the 200m dash and 8th overall in the 100m hurdles. Fast forward to the 2024 AAU Ga District Championship Cheyenne became champion for the second year in a row in the high jump, she also placed 2nd in the 200m dash to advance to the Region 8 Qualifier. Cheyenne advanced to the AAU Junior Olympics Game in HJ and the 100mH. Coach Bolton often brags about how versatile Cheyenne is. Cheyenne is the complete package.  What ever  event Coach Bolton tells her to do, she will go out and dominant it. When healthy Cheyenne is dangerous and definitely an athlete to watch. 

Maliyah Smith

Coach Bolton first discovered Maliyah on via Instagram (@Maliyah_jumps) doing triple jump. Coach Bolton was very excited, because he was about to gained another triple jumper that he thinks has what it takes to become an All-American. Once Maliyah season came to an end at Bear Creek Middle School. Maliyah officially joined the team. They waisted no time and started training right away. Coach Bolton felt extremely confident in Maliyah as she completed in the Georgia MS track and field state championships. Maliyah wasn’t expected to place well  at all.  Coach Bolton gave a final speech telling Maliyah, “it’s time to shock the world.”  Like Coach Bolton predicted Maliyah came out and shocked a lot of people, setting a new personal record which was 32Ft 5in.  Her pervious record was 28ft 11in. Maliyah’s new would go on to place 7th overall at the Georgia MS Track and Field State Championships. Maliyah is currently ranked 23rd amongst all of the middle athletes in the US (and that mark would probably rank her as US 1 in her age division for middle school and club, but unfortunately Milesplit has not updated the final rankings. Coach Bolton also stressed to her that he wasn’t going to focus on just the jumps, but sprints as well. Maliyah proved her self as a sprinter and worked her way on to the 4x1 team.  Maliyah helped her 4x1 team to a 2nd place finish at the AAU GA District Championship/ Qualifier, advancing them to the next round which was the Region 8 Qualifier. Although Maliyah didn’t compete on the 4x1 at Regions, she will be competing at the AAU Junior Olympics Games. 

Ivaney Carter

Ibanez Carteyis one of the more experienced athletes on Skyscrapers Athletics 11/12 age division. This will be her 3rd time competing at the  AAU Junior Olympics Games. Ivaney had earned her spot on the relay team, giving her team an extra spark. Although she has battled through a non sport injury, she has manage to give her team a fighting chance. She dominated at the AAU GA District Qualifier and  helped her team sneak in the last spot to qualify for the AAU Junior Olympic Games. Coach Bolton is relying on Ivaney to come out strong and give her team that extra spark she gave them once before. She will have to step her game up and continue to execute. She will have better chance at becoming an All-American this year as her team seeded 10th overall. 

Makenzie Cade

Makenzie Cade is another athlete that has been stepping her game up. Makenzie has improved a lot from her last season, setting new PR’s in almost every track meet.

Makenzie Cade was selected as one of the top sprinters in the state of Georgia to participate in the ADIDAS - ATL City Games. This track meet featured world class athletes such Noah Lyles, Grant Holloway, Aleia Hobbs, Anna Hall, and more. Makenzie got to share the limelight with the world's fastest sprinters while getting a once-in-a-lifetime experience racing in front of a crowd on the elevated surface.

Makenzie placed 2nd overall in 200m Dash setting a new Personal Record with a time of 28.53. Makenzie enjoyed this incredible experience. Other than her performance one her biggest highlights was personally meeting professional athlete Aleia Hobbs.

Coach Bolton knows that he can depend on Makenzie. Thus far Makenzie has been performing her best when it matters the most. Makenzie is a joy to be around and the team will need her high energy!

MORE SKYSCRAPERS’ QUALIFIERS Cheyenne Rucker (HJ), Makenzie Cade (4x1 relay), Ivaney Carter (4x1 relay), Kylie Lawrence (4x1 relay), Rogiie Lane (4x1 relay), Maliyah Smith (4x1 relay).HONORABLE MENTIONThese athletes qualified for the AAU Region 8 Qualifier: Chyna Orsley (Long Jump) Jassidy McGee (100m and 200m)