Joplin Athlete Set to Compete in Junior Olympics After Falling Short A Year Ago

RIVERTON, KS – 17-year-old Avarus Wofford recently qualified for the AAU Junior Olympics in Greensboro, North Carolina. After falling short just a year ago, Wofford soared back in 2024 on a journey that required mental and physical toughness.

Facing heartbreak, Wofford said the biggest lesson he learned was to keep going.

“I was having a lot of doubt earlier on this year,” said Wofford.

“The lesson I learned from last summer is to just keeping going. It is a very mental sport, and you have to really believe in yourself as it is just you on the track.”

Wofford’s coach, Blake Arehart, knows his athletes toughness first hand. Pushing Wofford since his middle school years, his qualification in 2024 would hold a special meaning.

“When he crossed the finish line, we were all waiting for the times to be updated,” said Arehart.

“Once we saw that his time came across and he was on of the qualifiers, his mother and I both pumped our arms in cheering him on.”

Now Wofford is off to Greensboro and can call himself a Junior Olympian. The two words carrying a special meaning, but to Avarus, it’s all about where he comes from.

“Yeah it means a lot because, I’m from a very small city,” Wofford said.

“I don’t really know anyone else that is going in the area, so it just means a lot to put on for the city.”

Avarus will compete in multiple events at the Junior Olympics through the week of July 29th. Wofford will run in the 400 meter hurdles on Monday, July 29th and the 110 meter hurdles on Wednesday, July 31st.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KSNF/KODE | FourStatesHomepage.com.