This week a Team Robins couple is in Humble, Texas, to watch their child compete in the Amateur Athletic Union Junior Olympic Games Track and Field competition.

Fourteen-year-old Jordan Fennell is the son of Portia Davis, 78th Air Base Wing Protocol officer and Senior Master Sgt. Harold Davis, 461st Aircraft Maintenance Squadron Avionics Flight chief, both stationed at Robins Air Force Base, Georgia.

“We are super proud of him,” said Portia Davis. “He’s very humble, laser focused, and wants to do well. When he’s not on the track, he is constantly looking at videos of other runners and critiquing himself in order to improve.”

Jordan, a freshman football player at Warner Robins High School, is new to the world of track and field.

“I am very excited I ran fast enough to compete in the Junior Olympics,” said Jordan. “I have the chance to do really well. Coach Hoy has really helped me a lot in this sport.”

Master Sgt. Hoy Thurman III is the creator and head coach of the program he joined. He works as a surveillance radar technician with the 116th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron and is a former Air Force Track and Field Team member.

Thurman said 35 of his athletes are taking part in the 55th AAU Junior Olympic Games, which started July 31 and ends Aug. 7.

“Jordan is one of the first-time competitors who is in a position to get a gold medal or make it to All-American status by being in the top eight,” added Thurman. “He has a lot of potential and a sincere love for running.”

Being active is a way of life in the Davis household.

“We are always doing some type of physical activity as a family to stay in shape,” said Portia Davis, a former high school track winner in Delaware. “Whether it’s walking, running, or just playing around outside, being fit is important to us. We also have a 15-year-old daughter who plays on her school’s soccer team and trains with Coach Hoy.”

As for Harold Davis, his athleticism stems from competitive boxing with the Air Force while stationed at Ramstein Air Base in Germany.

“Track is like boxing. Win or lose, you determine the outcome,” said Harold Davis. “From that aspect, I can share with Jordan how to approach running and the mindset needed to become the best. But this has to be something he wants, and we are here to support him every step.”

And their encouragement is part of Jordan’s strength.

“I don’t think I would be here if it wasn’t for my mom and stepdad,” he said. “They believe in me and I want to make them proud. I also want to make myself proud by doing my best,” Jordan said.