Our teenACHIEVER this week is Jamaica College long jumper Ajani James (AJ). He sat down for a chat with teenAGE (TA)   

Name: Ajani James

Age: 18

D.O.B: April 8, 1997

School/Institution: Jamaica College

Sport/Discipline: Track and Field – Long Jump

Accomplishments: 2013 Boys’ Champs Class 2 Long Jump Champion, 2013 CARIFTA Long Jump silver medallist, Penn Relays participant.

Hobbies: I love my event which is Jumps, playing video Games, being around friends and family, watching movies

Tags/ Handles: Instagram-JJfresherz, Twitter-JJfresherz

Biggest Rival: Shammawi Wellington

TA: How did you get started?AJ: My coaches in prep school Ms. Borah and Mr. Swinton encouraged me to stay in the path of doing tracks instead of football which I also did at the time.

TA: What do you enjoy most about Tracks?AJ: The excitement and the adrenaline push I get from the competition

TA: What was your favourite moment in the sport?AJ: Representing my country at the CARIFTA Games

TA: What is the biggest benefit you have gotten from Tracks?AJ: I have gotten a lot of attention locally and internationally from coaches and other individuals.

TA: What is the funniest thing that has ever happened to you at a meet?AJ: I fell while walking on the Chevron 

TA: Who is your favourite athlete and why?AJ: To be honest I have no favourite. Whoever keeps trying and working hard will be the favourite to all I think

TA: Who inspires you and why?AJ: Asafa Powell – He is criticized and said to be soft and weak yet still he performs well, shows determination and a strong mentality. I can relate a lot to him.

TA: Where do you see yourself in five years?AJ: Most likely in college, still trying to get a degree in Marketing

TA: If you didn’t have Track and Field what would you be doing?AJ: I really don’t know to be honest, I guess I would be focusing more on school and my career

TA: What are your dreams/aspirations?AJ: To make my family proud and to benefit as much as possible from this junior athleticism.

TA: Any message for your friends/fans/foes?AJ: Whether you hate me or love me I’m still here and you can’t stop me!