FAIRBANKS — Janay DeLoach came from an Eielson High School track and field program that practices at another school. She also set a state record in the long jump, an event that often starts late in Interior Alaska because of the weather.

Today in London, she competes for the gold medal in the women’s long jump at the Summer Olympics.

The first-time Olympian and 2003 Eielson graduate produced the top mark in Group 2 and for the United States, and registered the second-best overall result in Tuesday’s qualifying heats at Olympic Stadium.

“I think it’s exciting for our students,” said Eielson athletic director Kelly Growden, who also coached DeLoach in girls basketball during her freshman through junior years. “It shows no matter where you come from, you still have the same opportunity as everyone else. She’s a great athlete who went to college and works hard.”