Billy Jackson is on the current USAJR All Star jumprope team. And in meeting him in person, you become introduced to a warm, kind, generous, skilled, honest, and generous ambassador of the sport of Jump Rope.
On Thursday, February 21st, Billy came by room 203 to share his rope skipping skills as well as words of wisdom with my students. It is not everyday that a world class athlete and role model just strolls into the room. What's more incredible was that Billy just happened to be in Berkeley visiting a relative. He was on the left coast just off the heels of performing and teaching at Santa Monica's All Star Workshop, February 16th. My 3rd graders couldn't help but show Billy a few moves of their own and gave a live in-class performance of their African American Heritage fusion routine. Accolades and constructive comments for improvement bubbled forth from our special guest about the kid's exhibition. He answered every question. He gave autographs, anecdotes about filming Jump In!, displayed the tools of his trade: Olympic style singles beaded ropes and wire speed ropes, a power routine, flips, triple unders, and ultimately amazed while nabbing the respect of my kids.
So Billy, you have now been officially indoctrinated into our hearts and minds as one of 3D Double Dutch Jump Rope Arts' official heroes and role models. USAJR knew what they were doing when they selected this incredible 19 year old as one of an elite twenty four, to travel the globe in the name of promoting Jump Rope.
We are grateful for having had such a shining example of personal excellence in our midsts.
-BD
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