Knoxville, TN (August 10, 2002) – 12 year old Blair Camille Cross of Releigh, North Carolina set four AAU National Swimming Records for Girls 11-12 division at the 2002 AAU Junior Olympic Games yesterday. Cross was also awarded the 2002 AAU Joel Ferrell Award for athletic achievement and sportsmanship.

The records are as follows: 50m Free (28.73); 50m Fly (30.56); 100m fly (1:09.38); and 100m free 1:02.86. Blair broke each record in the preliminary heats as well and lead four relay teams to top five finishes including two golds in the 400m Freestyle Relay (4:39.24) and the 200m Mixed Freestyle relay (2:04.69).

August 1 – 10, 2002, athletes and visitors from all 50 states, Puerto Rico, and American territories occupied over 20 venues in Knoxville, TN. Overall more than 1,500 hours of competition were logged throughout the 10-day period for the 2002 AAU Junior Olympic Games.

The largest national multi-sport event ever conducted annually for youth in the United States, and the showcase event of the Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) Youth Sports Program. The AAU Junior Olympic Games is considered to be larger that the than the Winter Olympic Games and the Pan American Games. Approximately 12,000 to 15,000 young athletes ranging in age from 3 to 20, qualified for the games by competing in their home states’ local AAU competition. This year marks the 36th AAU Junior Olympic Games and national championship in each sport will be contested.

Some Olympians and professional athletes who are AAU Junior Olympic alumni: Evelyn Ashford, Jackie Joyner-Kersee, Carl Lewis (track & field); Bart Conner, Shannon Miller (gymnastics); Tracy Caulkins (swimming); Patrick Ewing, Anfernee Hardaway and Shaquille O’Neal (basketball).

The Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) is one of the largest, non-profit, volunteer, sports organizations in the United States. A multi-sport organization, the AAU is dedicated exclusively to the promotion and development of amateur sports and physical fitness programs for all ages. Our philosophy of "Sports for All, Forever," is shared by nearly 500,000 participants and over 50,000 volunteers. Divided into 58 associations, the AAU sanctions more than 32 sports programs, 250 national championships, and over 10,000 local events across the United States annually.

For more information on the 2002 AAU Junior Olympic Games visit our web site www.aausports.org or contact Melissa Wilson, AAU Media and PR at 407-828-5636.

Contact:
Melissa Wilson, AAU Media and PR
407-828-5636
Melissa@aausports.org