JUMP TEXAS MAGAZINE

JASMINE LEFFALL

LANCASTER — Inside Texas Track Motivation Board members ignited the buzz that made “Jasmine,” the North Texas seventh-grader, who long jumped 18-feet-6, a cyber-universal and household name.

In fewer than 24 hours, the precocious 13-year-old phenom catapulted from obscurity into the international athletics imagination, making a truly meteoric impact on the sport.

Photo of Jasmine Leffall Courtesy of RoJo

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Inside Texas Track

JUMP TEXAS: Congratulations on your monumental effort. Jumping 18-feet-6 is a phenomenal accomplishment.

JASMINE: Thank you.

JUMP TEXAS: How long have you been participating in track and field?

JASMINE: ... six or seven years ...

JUMP TEXAS: What did your teammates and classmates think about the jump?

JASMINE: They were shocked and proud of me.

JUMP TEXAS: Is there anything special you do to prepare for competition before or on the day of a meet?

JASMINE: I jog, stretch, run drills and do a couple of build ups.

JUMP TEXAS: Mr. and Mrs. Leffall, in what ways were the two of you instrumental in literally helping Jasmine soar to such heights?

MRS. LEFFALL: Mr. Leffall coaches her, and we both provide a lot of support.

JUMP TEXAS: How did your friends and family respond to the news of Jasmine's 18-foot-6-inch jump?

MRS. LEFFALL: The family was amazed, but knew she had it in her.

JUMP TEXAS: Did either of you ever compete in jumping events or other sports in school? How would you compare your athletic career as a youth to that of your daughter?

MR. LEFFALL: Yes, I competed in a variety of sports. I was very good at it, too. I hope that Jasmine becomes one of the greatest.

JUMP TEXAS: What do you foresee in track and field later this summer and perhaps even next year for Jasmine?

MR. LEFFALL: ... national title ...

JUMP TEXAS: What goals have you set for yourself in track and field, Jasmine?

JASMINE: ... to become nationally known ...

JUMP TEXAS: How about in the classroom? What are your best subjects and long-term scholastic goals?

JASMINE: ... language arts ...

JUMP TEXAS: Mr. and Mrs. Leffall, please share with other parents what you have done to instill a balanced appreciation of sports and scholarship, athletics and academics in your daughter.

MRS. LEFFALL: We have shown Jasmine that the world is at her fingertips as long as she manages her time well and remain dedicated.

JUMP TEXAS: Jasmine, is there anyone else you want to thank or give a big shout out for being supportive?

JASMINE: I would like to thank my former Lancaster Junior High School coach — Coach Taylor, and my present Permenter Junior High School coach in Cedar Hill, Texas, Coach Perry.

JUMP TEXAS: What departing words of positivity do you have to share with Jump Texas readers?

MR. LEFFALL : Look out for Cedar Hill Flames Track Club.

MRS. LEFFALL: Never lose your focus when you have your dream in sight.

JASMINE: Stay positive and keep your head up.