July 30, 2025 – West Bend, Wi – A huge accomplishment for young Averie Spaeth of West Bend, Wi, took home the silver medal in the triple jump at the AAU Junior Olympics in Texas. The daughter of Michelle and Tony Spaeth placed second out of 42 girls in the 13-year-old category.
The temps at Turner Stadium in Houston were extremely hot as competition got underway. There were over 16,000 athletes taking part in the largest youth multi-sport event in the United States.
Spaeth said it was a little overwhelming. “There were thousands of people when we got there,” she said. “When I saw all those people, I was stressed, hot, terrified, and thought I was going to pass out.”
The young Spaeth managed to pull it together. Tapped as the 20th competitor in the second group, Spaeth put together a series of six jumps as she tried to match or top her personal best of 36-08.50 (11.19m).
Competing for Milwaukee Speed Academy, Spaeth hit her stride and scored her best jump on her sixth attempt finishing with a 36-06.75 (11.14m)
“I was not satisfied with my first 5 jumps because I knew I could do better,” said Spaeth. “But when I jumped over 36, I was really happy. I got close to my PR and took second to a girl who broke the National record.”
Maryann Akpobassa with Track Houston Youth Track set a national record in the triple jump with a 41-02.25 (12.55m).
Spaeth credits her coaches at Milwaukee Speed Academy because “they push me to be better, but in a nice way. They’re very understanding.”
Click HERE to see official results in the triple jump
Spaeth will compete in Jr Olympics high jump on Wednesday. Her personal best is 4-feet, 6 inches.
Click HERE to check out the field of high jump entries
Best of luck Averie Spaeth.
Photos courtesy Michelle Spaeth.
