Amber DandyWhen Amber Dandy began competing in the long jump, her coaches never limited the goals for how much distance she could cover.
After winning the TSSAA Class A/AA state championship last year with the nation's third-longest leap for a high school girl - 20 feet and a quarter inch - Dandy is realizing just how far the sport may take her. The Red Bank senior left Monday to begin preparing for an indoor competition Saturday in Osaka, Japan.
Dandy, who also competes for the Chattanooga Jets Track Club, is one of only six girls chosen nationally to represent the United States against Japan and Germany in the Friendship Competition Track and Field Meet. The U.S. delegation consists of six male and six female athletes, with two competing in the 60-meter dash and 60-meter hurdles and two in the long jump.
"I was really shocked and excited when I got the invitation," Dandy said. "Just being in a different environment to compete and meeting new people should be a lot of fun, and I'm looking forward to it.
"I've competed as far away as Iowa, but this is something completely different. I'm honored to be competing for my country, and I plan on going there to work hard and do my best."
Dandy - who is being recruited by Auburn, LSU, Kentucky and Murray State - plans to compete in several running events as well as the long jump and triple jump this season at Red Bank.
"Obviously we're very proud of what Amber has accomplished already," Red Bank coach Hugh Enicks said. "I think the jump she made at last year's state meet really got her a lot of national recognition, and deservedly so, and now she has the opportunity to really showcase her talents on a much bigger level."