News

Sisters share love for track

  • Published
  • By Kendahl Johnson
  • 78 ABW/PA
Robins Air Force Base, GA --  Whether it's basketball, track and field or any number of other sports, athletic competition runs in the Bailey blood.

John Bailey, a program manager for the C-17 Product Directorate here, played basketball at the University of Wisconsin. He has stayed involved in sports, both as a player and a coach. And he has passed his competitive spirit down to his two daughters.

"I have always encouraged my daughters to stay active through sports," Mr. Bailey said. "It helps them maintain focus, not only in the sport but also in the classroom."

His oldest daughter, Porscha, recently finished a successful track and field career at Georgia State University. His youngest daughter, Jaylah, is just starting her career. The 9-year-old athlete will compete in the Junior Olympic National Tournament this weekend in Omaha, Neb.

"I'd like to contribute their athletic success to good genes," Bailey said. "But really they've worked hard for their achievements. I have tried to help them stay focused and I encourage them to practice when they didn't want to practice. I've taught them that if they put in hard work they will get good results, which they have."

The oldest daughter went to Georgia State on scholarship. She ran the 100 meter, 200 meter and the 4x100 meter relay. She broke a long-standing school record in the 200m her sophomore season and was an all-conference selection in the relay as a senior. She said she wanted to follow in her father's footsteps and play basketball collegiately, but it was track and field that provided more opportunities.

"Growing up I wanted to be like my father and be good at basketball, but track was the sport I excelled at and was the sport I enjoyed the most," Porscha said. "I stopped playing basketball my senior year to focus on track because I knew that was what I really wanted to do."

Now that her track career is over, she hopes to attend medical school. In the meantime, she is staying involved in the sport and has passed down a love for track and field to her sister.

"My sister encouraged me to run track and I like it. It's fun," Jaylah said. "I enjoy racing against people."

Jaylah hopes to race competitively throughout high school and even college, and, like many young athletes, has dreams of running in the Olympics. Her mother, Debbie Bailey, knows if she sticks with it, she could be even more successful than Porscha.

"Jaylah is much faster than Porscha was at that age," said Debbie, a human resource specialist at Robins. "Plus, Porscha is a great mentor and trainer. They work well together."

Both parents have been highly supportive of their children's athletic endeavors.

"It's overwhelming the amount of pride I have watching my kids perform. It's a feeling my wife and I can't explain," John said.