Lynwood – Jasmine Landeros, a third-grader at Washington Elementary, placed fourth in the 8 and younger Girls shotput division on July 16 at the California State Games in Escondido.

This was the first time Jasmine had competitively thrown a shotput, advancing through the Southern California Municipal Athletic Federation’s quarterfinals and championships for the softball throw.

“She learned how to hold and throw the shotput 15 minutes before the event,” Jasmine’s coach Valdemar Quijada said. “She did amazing.”

Jasmine was the only member on a team of 28 students from Washington Elementary and the only Lynwood Unified student to qualify for the State Games, which hosted about 9,000 athletes.

“It’s wonderful to see a young athlete like Jasmine represent Lynwood Unified at a statewide competition,” Superintendent Paul Gothold said. “The District supports all opportunities to be physically active so our students stay healthy and happy, allowing them to perform their best on the field and in the classroom.”

The third-grader was nervous upon showing up at the event but brushed it off with Quijada’s reminder that she would compete against girls her own age.

“It was great because they told me nice job and told me that I did good,” Jasmine said.

Since January, Quijada led after-school practices twice a week and Jasmine was one of the most committed students to the program, rarely missing practice. In addition to competing in the shotput, Jasmine ran in the 50-meter and 100-meter races.

When she’s not doing track and field, Jasmine loves to read, paint and dance.

“It’s inspiring to see our students stay active and compete in athletic competitions over the summer break,” Board President Alma-Delia Renteria said. “It makes us proud to have students like Jasmine compete on behalf of our District, and I know she will continue to shine as part of Washington’s track and field team throughout this upcoming year.”

PHOTO CAPTION

081516_LUSD_SHOTPUT: Jasmine Landeros, a third-grader at Washington Elementary, poses with her ribbon after winning fourth place in the shotput throw at the California State Games in Escondido.