The first week of August, Sarah and Liz Brucksch competed at the Junior Olympics, in Hampton Roads Virginia, for Jump Rope, placing in 8^th, 9^th, and 10^th.

     The Brucksch sisters have been jumping on the ‘Hoppin Hawks’ team for 10 years, starting when they were in the 2^nd grade. “Jump Roping is fun, but also very tiring. Although it makes you keep up with other sports,” Sarah said.

     At the Junior Olympics, lasting Monday through Saturday, there were 463 athletes that came from many different countries like, Singapore, Canada, and even Australia. The divisions were grouped by age. The twins won 8^th, 9^th, and 10^th for Double Dutch in the 15-17 age group.

     Sarah competed in the Single and Group Jump, which included the whole team. “My favorite style of jumping is single because the sky’s the limit,” Sarah said.

     Liz competed in each category, which included Singles, Pairs, Double Dutch, and the Group Jump. “My favorite style of jumping is Pairs, because you know you can count on your other team mate,” Liz said.

     The Brucksch sisters said they had to condition all summer long and throughout the year in order to stay in shape for the season. Conditioning did not just include lots of jumping, but also many crunches and push up.

     The biggest challenge being on the team was each person had different strengths and weaknesses that would range in their skill level. With both of them being seniors, this is the last year they can jump on the ‘Hoppin Hawks’ team.