Interval Session #50 - Anna Jelmini By Dave Devine, April 24, 2008 Every now and then, a high school athlete emerges from relative anonymity to national acclaim on the strength of a single performance. It feels like an "overnight success," but of course it's not. Shafter CA thrower Anna Jelmini is one such case, a mid-150's discus thrower as a sophomore last spring who didn't appear in any of the major post-season meets, but still entered her junior year among the top returners on a list dominated by graduating seniors. Picking up where she left off in 2007, Jelmini hit an early-season 156-03 at East Bakersfield, then ascended steadily from there. Her 175-08 at the King City meet was already the national leader, but did little to prepare throws fans for the 183-11 she unleashed at the Bill Kearney Invite last weekend. That mark equaled the #4 discus performer all-time, and puts the junior in a very good position to chase Suzy Powell's 1994 national record of 188-04. DyeStat Assistant editor Dave Devine picks up the pie tin and takes a few rotations around the ring with a Golden Stater reaching for the stratopshere.

1) You're been steadily progressing all season, but it still seemed like you stunned people with that 183-11 discus throw last weekend. Can you talk about that series, and how you felt when you realized you'd equaled the #4 high school throw in history? I was very excited and had been looking forward to throwing in this special ring in great conditions. I am also excited that I have a whole other year to reach for the national record. 2) I read in a local newspaper article that over the last 25 years at Hartnell College [site of the Kearney Invite], there have been 19 discus throws which were world leading marks at the time, and that the ring was designed by Olympic gold medalist Mac Wilkins. Were you able to notice a difference? Did it feel different or better throwing out of that cage? It was exciting to throw in an awesome ring, the crowd, the wind, and the atmosphere. 3) The names above you on the all-time list are some of the greats in US women's discus throwing. Are you someone who follows the sport close enough to know who some of those throwers are, or are you becoming more familiar with them as you get closer to them on the list? I try to follow the records so I have something to reach for. I know Dawn Dumble Godbehere and Rachel Varner and am honored to be on the list with them. I've heard so much about Suzy Powell and I've always wanted to meet her. 4) It looks like you've improved almost 30-feet in the discus from your sophomore year to now. Can you point to anything in particular to which you might attribute your rapid improvement? Better technique? More focus? Stronger? Faster in the ring? All of the above factors apply, as well as a determined work ethic and especially, great coaching. 5) You're a national-class shot putter too, with a PR over 46 feet. Do you prefer one event more than the other, or are you equally at home in the shot put circle or the discus ring? I'm really equally excited about throwing both, but I'm really enjoying my excitement with the discus PR's at this time. 6) Can you talk about the coaching situation and the support you receive at Shafter High? Do you have an event coach for the throws? Outside coaching? Where do you receive the most assistance in terms of training and technique? The Shafter High School Administration, Mrs. Medina (Athletic Director), Coach Godbehere, the entire coaching staff as well as my teachers always support me year round. Mr. Matthew Godbehere is an experienced athlete who competed himself in the throws. He is a very knowledgeable coach that supports me in training, throwing, and especially his positive encouragement along the way. 7) You're a pretty solid basketball player too, averaging nearly 20 points a game for your high school last season. Does one sport hold a closer place in your heart than the other? How did you get into track and field initially? Did it come after experiences with other sports first? I really like Basketball, but I love Track. I was very fortunate to attend Rio Bravo Greeley School from Kindergarten to Eighth Grade. RBG supported all the sports: Volleyball, Cross Country, Basketball, Softball, Track, and Swimming. I competed in all of these sports beginning in Kindergarten because I really enjoy competition. 8) Dayshan Ragans, one of the best boys' throwers in the country, attends school only about 25 miles from you. Have you gotten to know each other at all? Is there something in the water in the Bakersfield CA area? I know of Dayshan and his accomplishments. We haven't talked much since we usually compete at the same time. I don't think there's something in the water, but we are very fortunate to have excellent experienced coaches in our area. 9) Besides track & field and basketball, what are some of your other interests or hobbies? Anything you're as passionate about or as committed to as sports? I have always been very passionate about the sports that I compete in. I also enjoy Art and have spent many hours painting and drawing. I also enjoy spending time with my family and friends and relaxing at the movies. Photo: John Nepolitan

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