HOOVER, Ala. — The injury bug has struck.

While competing in the Junior Olympics in Hoover, Ala., Natchez High track star Alicia Wimley twisted her ankle.

Her distance, 35”10’, was good enough to qualify her for the triple jump, but the injury affected her performance in the 100 meter, 200 meter and 400 meter events.

Despite being injured, Wimley placed fourth in the 400 meters with a time of 58.44 seconds.

Unfortunately for Wimley, only the first three finalists qualify for the Junior Olympics.

“She showed a lot of heart,” former Natchez High track coach Doc Woods said. “She limped through them.”

Although she was injured, Woods said there’s “a chance” she could compete in more than just the triple jump at the Junior Olympics.

Woods said she would have to receive a recommendation from the region, then receive a waiver and have the Junior Olympics committee approve the request.

Woods expects Wimley to be ready to compete in the Junior Olympics in two weeks in Omaha, Neb.

Wimley placed first in her qualifying heat Friday in the 400 meters, finishing with a time of 58.67 seconds.