Kendrick Gibbons finished in third place among more than 40 athletes in the long jump competition at the National Junior Olympics in Sacramento, Calif.

Gibbons, a member of the Natchez Track Club, leaped 22-5 1/2 to win third. Justin Huskins of Michigan won the long jump title with a leap of 23-7. Andrew Moore of Atlanta grabbed second place with a leap of 22-11.

The top two finishes earned berths on the junior Olympic team that will compete at the international level.

&uot;He almost had it locked up,&uot; said coach Henry &uot;Doc&uot; Woods.

Gibbons entered the event ranked 15th in the country in the long jump. He will also participate in the triple jump.

Five other Natchez Track Club members are competing at the Junior Olympics. Lexi Washington will compete in the triple jump. Darrius Edwards will run in the 400m hurdles. Taji Dorsey will sprint in the 100m dash. Darryl Bassett will take part in the triple jump. Tanieka Hill will run in the 400m.