Olympian Christina Epps inspires kids at her former Morristown elementary school

Olympian Christina Epps speaks at the Alexander Hamilton School. Photo by Kevin Coughlin, Oct. 14, 2016
Olympian Christina Epps speaks at the Alexander Hamilton School. Photo by Kevin Coughlin, Oct. 14, 2016
0

Video: Olympian Christina Epps tells Morristown 5th graders about injuries and hard work

 

By Brian LaMuraglia

It was more than a hop, skip and a jump that got Christina Epps to the Rio Olympics.

A devastating knee injury four years ago turned out to be a blessing, Epps told students at Morristown’s Alexander Hamilton Elementary School on Friday.

Olympian Christina Epps speaks at the Alexander Hamilton School. Photo by Kevin Coughlin, Oct. 14, 2016
Olympian Christina Epps speaking at the Alexander Hamilton School. Photo by Kevin Coughlin, Oct. 14, 2016

“It forced me to focus more,” said Epps. “ It forced me to dedicate myself to the sport more and not just rely on my talents and abilities I had naturally. It made me take my abilities to the next level because I had to work hard.”

Dedication and hard work were the themes Epps impressed upon the third-, fourth- and fifth graders, in the same school she once attended.

Asking the students to define those terms, she was elated to hear answers like, “It’s never giving up when you want to,” and “Doing your best.”

On Saturday, Oct. 15, 2016, Epps will be honored at her alma mater, Morristown High School, during halftime of the football team’s Homecoming game.

Slideshow photos by Kevin Coughlin

Olympian Christina Epps speaks at the Alexander Hamilton School. Photo by Kevin Coughlin, Oct. 14, 2016
HANDS SHOOT UP WITH QUESTIONS for Olympian Christina Epps at the Alexander Hamilton School. Photo by Kevin Coughlin
Olympian Christina Epps and her mom, Beverly Epps-Blackwell, at the Alexander Hamilton School. Photo by Kevin Coughlin, Oct. 14, 2016
Olympian Christina Epps and Morris School District President Leonard Posey at the Alexander Hamilton School. Photo by Kevin Coughlin, Oct. 14, 2016
Olympian Christina Epps and her niece, 5th grader Joy Hylton, at the Alexander Hamilton School. Photo by Kevin Coughlin, Oct. 14, 2016
Olympian Christina Epps makes a point at her old elementary school, Alexander Hamilton. Photo by Kevin Coughlin
Olympian Christina Epps and her sister, Chante Hylton, at the Alexander Hamilton School. Photo by Kevin Coughlin, Oct. 14, 2016
p1340361
p1340358
p1340418
p1340415
p1340442
p1340354
p1340404
PlayPause
previous arrow
next arrow
 
Shadow

Yet even as she contemplates seeking another Olympic berth in 2020, the 25-year-old Epps acknowledged there were times she had second thoughts about the sacrifices required to compete in Rio.

“I have had doubting moments. This past year was really hard. I forced myself to try to make the Olympic standard at most of my track meets.

“It haunted me most of the year and I second guessed myself if I was really talented enough to make the team,” Epps told an audience that included her mother, Beverly  Epps-Blackwell; her sister, Chante Hylton; niece Joy Hylton, a 5th grader at Alexander Hamilton; and Morris School District Board President Leonard Posey.

Christina Epps demonstrates the hop, skip and jump of the triple jump to the students at Alexander Hamilton Elementary School. Photo by Brian LaMuraglia.
Christina Epps demonstrates the hop, skip and jump of the triple jump to students at Alexander Hamilton Elementary School. Photo by Brian LaMuraglia.

“I have had to make sacrifices. I’ve given up hanging out with friends, and I was kind of a loner most of the time in college because I was doing something for myself that others may not have wanted. I definitely made those sacrifices as my social life goes,” said Epps, a graduate of Coppin State University who recently became engaged.

The best thing about the Olympics, she said, was representing the United States in the opening ceremony.

“Oohs” and “ahhs” filled the classroom as Morristown’s first Olympian paced the floor to demonstrate how far she can jump — more than 45 feet.

Epps got the same response when answering questions: Yes, she met Usain Bolt and Simone Biles!  The 4th graders erupted in a chorus of “USA, USA, USA!” chants at the conclusion of Epps’ talk.

“Getting to meet her and asking her questions were my favorite parts,” said Ashley Cabrera, 10, a hopeful tennis Olympian. “It was pretty cool to talk to her.”

MORE ABOUT OLYMPIAN CHRISTINA EPPS

 

 

 

LEAVE A REPLY