CLARKSVILLE, TN (CLARKSVILLE NOW) – Carmen Johnson, a rising junior track runner from Northeast High School, has qualified for the AAU Junior Olympics in the 1500M following her performance at the region six qualifier in Knoxville, Tennessee last month.

“Qualifying for the Junior Olympics has been a relief if anything,” Johnson said. “Seeing my hard work and dedication to the sport pay off has been rewarding. By qualifying… I have been able to reflect on how much I have grown as a runner, especially in distance.”

Johnson’s 1500M time of 5:25.19 at the region six qualifier set both a personal record, and a school record for the Northeast High Eagles. NEHS track and field coach, Christina Webb, told Clarksville Now she could not be prouder of her student-athlete.

“It is an honor to have an athlete to make it to the AAU Junior Olympics,” Webb said. “Carmen has embodied our mantra of determination, dedication, discipline and hard work that we push as a part of the Lady Eagles track and field team.

“Carmen has put in a lot of work this summer with morning workouts at Northeast at 6 a.m., and her evening workouts with her track club in Nashville… I know that Carmen is on the right track to have successful high school cross country and track seasons. I can’t wait for her to bring her experiences back to Northeast and the rest of our team! We are all very proud of Carmen at Northeast.”

What’s next

Johnson will now compete in Greensboro, North Carolina, at the end of July for a chance to become a national champion. She told Clarksville Now that she is thankful for the support system that has gotten her this far.

“I couldn’t thank my parents enough for everything,” Johnson said.  “They have provided me everything I have needed to get better and supported me through it all. As well as my coach, she has gone above and beyond in supporting me and pushing me to be better even when I couldn’t do it for myself. She has shown me to love the sport and everything that comes with it.”

AAU Junior Olympics is set to run from Wednesday, July 24, through Saturday, August 3, according to the organization’s official website.