Following his big brother John Hannah III’s footsteps, 5-year-old Aaron Ward Jr. is making a name for himself in the youth track and field world! Today, he clinched his first nationals ticket qualifying in the 8U 400m at the USATF Region 7 Qualifier.

“Little AJ is no joke, " explains Coach Nicole Lincoln. “He is very serious when he trains. Most kids his age are off playing in the long jump sand pit or running around playing—-not AJ. I knew he was the real deal because all he wants to do is train and compete. You don’t have to bribe or threaten him; he just loves running and it shows when he competes even though he is 5! Keep an eye on Aaron Ward Jr.”

What a RUSH!