LETHBRIDGE – During high school Aaron Hernandez thought of himself as a football player. An all-star quarterback and kicker, he had designs on pursuing a junior career in British Columbia.
However his hobby as a triple jumper is what caught the attention of University of Lethbridge assistant track and field coach Jaime Thomas, who made a point to meet the kid who was putting up astonishing numbers in the event.
“I kind of laid it out there for him that he had the ability to do some really unique things here in the province,” remembers Thomas. “And he did. Right off the bat, his first or second meet, breaking records and making provincial teams, winning national medals.”
It was Thomas’ belief in his talent which convinced Hernandez to pursue athletics.
“There was no way I saw myself doing track and field past the high school level,” said Hernandez. “But when you have a coach like Jaime Thomas come up to you when you’re in high school – he’s a University level coach – and ask you to train with him, it’s hard to say no, right?”
The partnership has paid tremendous dividends. Just 19-years-old Hernandez is already a two-time Canadian University triple jump champion, and earlier this month won his first ever Canadian senior triple jump championship.
It’s just the latest accomplishment in a string of success which included being named to the Canadian team for the upcoming Pan American Games in Toronto. It will be the first time Hernandez has ever represented his country in competition.
“It’s incredible to think that I get to be competing for my home country, in my home country, pretty much nothing can beat that feeling,” said the awestruck Coaldale, AB native.
It’s the biggest accomplishment of his burgeoning career, but he had to keep it a secret from his biggest fan – at least for a few days. Athletics Canada told athletes not to post the news on social media until an official news release was issued. And Hernandez thought his mom’s pride might get the best of her.
“I was like ‘uh, mom, I don’t know if I can trust you,'” said Hernandez with a laugh. “Because if anyone knows me they know my mom is my number one supporter, so definitely when she found out and my dad found out they were ecstatic for me.”
There are challenges to Hernandez’s chosen path. Triple jump puts extreme pressure on an athletes body and injuries are common. As well, there are financial hardships. To afford his travel, physical therapy and coaching he works two jobs in addition to being a full time student at the University of Lethbridge, not to mention countless hours of training.
“There comes points where you’re not competing well, you’re injured and you’re saying ‘maybe it’s my time to hang up my cleats,'” admits Hernandez.
But, he feels his ability to overcome those challenges is what ultimately gives him his edge. “That’s the main thing is just to push through those negative thoughts and life will reward you if you put in the hard work.”
In a young career the rewards have already been plentiful. With many more likely on the way.
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