East County Athlete of the Week: Jenna Jahn

Jenna Jahn had never competed in the 400-meter hurdles until March 13. As a freshman for the Lakewood Ranch High girls track and field team, she was new to the event, but she clocked a 1:13.67 to place first at the Eddie Starling Memorial Invite — hosted by Southeast High School — and broke the Mustangs' program record for the 400-meter hurdles. She also finished second in the 100-meter hurdles (19.62) and fifth in the 200-meter dash (28.85). Jahn is the East County Athlete of the Week. 

How has this season been for you so far?

It's been really good. Everybody's super nice, and they've been very welcoming, because it's brand new (to me). Doing two sports (Jahn is also a wide receiver/defensive back for the Lakewood Ranch flag football team), it's sort of hard, but everybody's been able to move around that and we're able to work together.

What significance did you take from breaking a school record?

It was a big accomplishment. It was stressful in the beginning, because I didn't know what I was going to do going into it. I didn't know what to expect. I was just expecting to make it over the hurdles first, and then it just kind of happened.

What have you been focusing on lately to become a better track and field athlete?

My coach (Ashley Palmer) has been working with me on hurdles — a lot. We've done maybe five practices, and we've done two one-on-ones, practicing together, to get the understanding of hurdles.

What do you enjoy about practicing and competing with Lakewood Ranch?

I have made so many friends from just this group. We all choose to help each other. It's such a great environment.

When and why did you start competing in track and field?

Me and my dad (Steven Jahn) used to race a lot, and it was a lot of fun for me. It was kind of competitive with me and my dad, so I was like, "Maybe I should try it, and I might go somewhere."

How would you describe your passion for this sport?

At first, it was (flag) football. I was only doing (flag) football, and then I did track, and it was just a different environment. It was just so much fun going to these meets that I developed a love for it. I'm just going to keep going with track — it's great.

What quote or piece of advice have you carried with you?

"Get out of your head." That's a big thing my dad says, and it helps a lot before races, because you don't want to get in your head before. Otherwise, you might not make it over the hurdle.

If you could go anywhere for a dream vacation, where would you go?

I would want to go to Oregon, because The Goonies' house is there, and I love The Goonies.

If you could only eat one food for the rest of your life, what would it be?

It would have to be butter chicken. My mom (Summer Jahn) makes good butter chicken, and I could have that every day.

What music gets you in the zone during practice or before a meet?

Whatever coach Ashley puts on — she puts on good music. I don't listen to music a lot, but whatever coach Ashley puts on, she knows what she's doing.

Finish this sentence. Jenna Jahn is...

Determined.