Myrtle Beach High's J.J. Brown Wins Junior Olympics Gold, Commits to Texas Tech

Myrtle Beach High School rising senior Julian "J.J." Brown has capped off a remarkable week of athletic achievements, claiming a national championship in California before officially committing to continue his track and field career at the collegiate level.

Over the weekend, Brown won a gold medal in the high jump at the 2026 USA Track & Field National Junior Olympics in Los Angeles. Competing in a large-scale national venue against top athletes from across the country, Brown credited the intense environment and a morning pep talk from his mother for helping him stay focused. "My mom woke me up and said, ‘Have a great day today’… And that’s what I went and did," Brown shared. He noted that the high level of competition motivated him to perform at his best during warmups and official jumps.

On Monday, August 3, Brown followed up his national title by officially committing to Texas Tech University. The decision came after evaluating a strong list of collegiate offers that included Louisiana State University (LSU), the University of Missouri, and local program Coastal Carolina University. Brown made the ultimate choice after sitting down with his mother to weigh his athletic and academic opportunities with the Red Raiders, a program he hopes will help launch him toward an eventual Olympic career.

This recent wave of success builds on a historic 18-month run for the Myrtle Beach athlete. In December 2024, Brown highlighted his athletic versatility by winning the Beach Ball Classic dunk contest at the Myrtle Beach Convention Center. Earlier this spring, during an April 4 meet, he set a new South Carolina state record in the high jump by clearing 7 feet, 4.25 inches. That mark shattered a state record of 7 feet, 1 inch that had stood for 43 years since 1983.

Despite the national recognition and his future move to Texas Tech, Brown remains grounded and focused on his remaining time at home. Before heading to the college ranks, he will complete his senior year in Horry County, playing wide receiver for the Myrtle Beach High School Seahawks football team under Head Coach Mickey Wilson while preparing to defend his high school track titles next spring.

"I’m trying to take in every moment in Myrtle Beach," Brown said. While his long-term goal remains reaching the Olympics, he emphasized that his immediate focus is on step-by-step progress, including upcoming high school meets and his final season playing for his hometown community.