Sporting Events’ Huge Midlands Impact

COLUMBIA, S.C. (WOLO) — The most watched series of competitive sporting events in the world is definitely having a worldwide impact, especially in the Midlands, as local gyms and sporting organizations are seeing a peak in enrollment. Track and field coach for the South Carolina USA Track and Field Association, Valerie Jacobs, says from the starting line to the finish line, young people she trains are finding their inner champion. “Some of our youth may be there in four to eight years,” said Jacobs. “They see these athletes on TV, hear them on the radio and on the news and think, ‘I can do that’ and because of that, they’re joining.” She says interest in the javelin, shot put, weights, long jump and high jump became fast favorites in this year’s state meet. “We had over 1000 youth athletes; that’s over 100 more than last year,” said Jacobs.” Not only is interest in competitive outdoor sports increasing for budding athletes statewide, but an impact is being felt indoors as well. Gym manager at All Star Gymnastics in Columbia, Randall Russell, for example has been pretty busy. “Enrollment is definitely increasing,” said Russell. “Where we usually get one to three calls a day, we’re averaging 10-12 calls a day. The phone’s ringing, emails are coming in. Everybody wants to be in gymnastics now.” She credits the international impact of the 2012 London games creating Midlands mayhem. She’s confident the instant craze will have a lasting impact. “The Olympics, college scholarships. There’s a whole lot that can come out of it.”