Austin Nettleton of Poulsbo is competing in the National Junior Olympic Track and Field Championships at the University of Northern Florida in Jacksonville.

Nettleton, a former carrier for the North Kitsap Herald, flew to Florida on July 25 to get acclimated before his events. The opening ceremonies took place on July 27, and the competition continues until Aug. 2. Austin’s father, Paul Nettleton, said Austin will race most days during the week.

“He’s flying out with three other athletes and his sister,” Paul Nettleton said. “It’s a great accomplishment and they’re going to make a nice little trip out of it.”

Nettleton competes in the 1,500 meter, 800 meter, 4 x 400 relay and 4 x 800 relay.

During the Junior Olympic Regionals that took place in Portland, Nettleton finished second in the 1500 meter, and his team earned gold in the 4 x 800 meter relay. He also finished fifth in the 800 meter and his team placed second in the 4 x 400 meter race where Nettleton is the lead-off runner.

Nettleton is a 2015 North Kitsap graduate. In addition to running track, he also played wide receiver and safety for the North Kitsap football team.

Next year, he plans to run track at the Air Force Academy and study to become a missile in space technician and work on Intercontinental Ballistic Missiles.