By
Name: Anthony Soares
School: Martin Van Buren
Sport: Long-Jump
Year: Junior
Hometown: Cambria Heights
Born with one leg weaker than the other, the result of his mother falling on her stomach when she was pregant, Soares has had to struggle just to compete in the high-jump for Van Buren. And during the Queens Borough Championship Friday, he did more than just compete. The resident of Cambria Heights won the long-jump with a leap of 6 feet, 2 inches to help Van Buren win its fifth straight outdoor championship.
“I was having a little trouble getting motivated and both of my legs were hurting me, but I was happy to win the event and help my team,” Soares said. “But I know I can do better.”
Soares also knows that if he had two good legs, he would be a different jumper, but he doesn't dwell on what he cannot do. “I just go out there and try to do the best that I can do. But I know that if I had two good legs, it would make a big difference.”
Soares received a boost from his friend and rival, James Blocker, August Martin's high-jumper who was sidelined from the competition with a knee injury but who still showed up to add his support.
