WILSONVILLE, Oregon — An 8-year-old track star from Wilsonville is gearing up for the National Junior Olympic Track & Field Championships in Texas.
Grant Broussard qualified for the 100-meter dash and the 200-meter dash after posting some of the nation’s best times for his age group.
“I like to run,” said Grant. “My dream is to make it to the Olympics.”
Grant’s father, Kirk Broussard, coaches his son.
“I'm immensely proud,” said Kirk.
Kirk said Grant became interested in running last summer at a YMCA camp.
“Where I really knew something was different was they asked to move him up to race the fifth graders,” said Kirk. “At 7-years-old, he beat all the fifth graders so I said okay, well maybe we got something here!”
Grant joined the Tualatin Youth Track Club and ran in his first track meet in April.
“Now Grant's top 13 in the nation!” said Kirk. “He's hooked on this track thing.”
Qualifying for the Junior Olympics is a big deal for Grant.
“I got super happy,” said Grant. “We also made a lemonade stand to get more money.”
Grant's dad started a GoFundMe to help raise $4,000 for traveling expenses.
“It's unexpected, that cost,” said Kirk.
Besides competing at a high level, Grant said he’s also working hard to learn about sportsmanship, win or lose.
“After the race, shake hands and say, ‘Good game,” he said.
Kirk said he’s also trying to make sure his son stay grounded.
“I'm always able to remind him, 'Hey, it's great what you're doing in sports,'" said Kirk. "'But at home the most important thing is to put God first.'”