Tucson Today’s Destiny Quinn goes for Gold by trying out long jump

[ad_1]

TUCSON (KVOA) – Many of us at home wonder if we have what it takes to compete.

News 4 Tucson’s Destiny Quinn learned all about what it’s like to end up in a sandpit from an American of six. Needless to say, it’s a little harder than it seems

“It’s pretty common in South Africa for you to start the long jump barefoot,” said Quinn’s husband, Roelf Pienaar.

Pienaar began his athletics career at the age of 9.

“The first time I wore spikes in the long jump I was 13 years old and I realized pretty early on that I had a talent for it,” he said.

That talent and years of hard work would not only bring him to America with a track scholarship at Arkansas State University, but also give him the opportunity to compete on national and global stages.

“I did the first ever Youth Olympic Games in Singapore. And you know, for a young kid who loved the sport it was an amazing experience. They treated it like the big Olympics,” he said. “In Gwangju, South Korea, I won a bronze medal with the World University Games.”

His record jump was 26 feet 8 inches. Unfortunately, Roelf was one of those athletes who suffered injuries, which ended his career early.

“I tore my patellar tendon,” he said. “That was quite a blow”

Roelf rehabilitated his knee, but when he tried to come back he broke his other patellar tendon.

“Athletics is a test of your body,” he said.

Roelf is a tough end to an incredible athletic career.

“It’s a feeling of adrenaline,” he said.

Now it’s time for him to teach Quinn the sport he loves.

To see Quinn showcase her newfound talent, watch the video above.

[ad_2]