US National Champion long jumper Jeff Henderson joins National Athletic Institute

CHULA VISTA, Calif., Sept. 30, 2014 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- National Athletic Institute (NAI) announced today that Jeff Henderson, reigning US National Champion long jumper, has joined the team of elite US track & field athletes they represent. Henderson, who claimed the US long jump title with a wind-assisted 8.52m (27 feet 11 ½ inches) this past June, followed up his first national championship on the Diamond League circuit winning in New York, Glasgow, and Lausanne, beating former 2012 Olympic gold medalist, Greg Rutherford.

"We are thrilled to have Jeff as one of the athletes we represent," said Derek Ellis, CEO at National Athletic Institute. "Our team is dedicated to helping athletes like Jeff receive the financial support they need to achieve their full athletic potential." National Athletic Institute exists to advocate for US able-bodied and para-athletes and fund their direct training needs. They are not affiliated with the USOC or USATF.

Unlike athletes in many other countries around the world, US athletes do not receive direct funding from any government source. Instead, they rely upon the generosity of Americans who support their training and encourage their dreams. NAI seeks to raise funds for these athletes through donations, sponsorships, and endorsements.

Last year, the 25-year old Henderson made a life-changing decision to leave his training at Stillman College in Alabama, and move to San Diego to train under jumps legend Al Joyner, 1984 Olympic Triple jump gold medalist. The results have been dramatic.

"I've shed 20 pounds, am focused on better nutrition, and am working on my speed much more; that's the goal for next year. If I have more speed, it's much easier on the runway and the better my long jump is going to be," Henderson states. Jeff is not just a jumper; in the 60m he recently ran 6.58 and has a personal best of 10.18 in the 100m.

Henderson has achieved success amidst personal challenges. Born in McAlmont, Arkansas and the youngest of 6 children, his mother was diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease in her early 40s, when Jeff was still in high school. Since then, her condition has deteriorated so that she no longer recognizes Jeff or any of her other children. Jeff also struggles with ADD (Attention Deficit Disorder).

Coach Joyner is extremely encouraged with Jeff's potential. "He has the ability to be one of the best – ever. He will be training hard for next year's World Championships and Rio in 2016. I think the world will remember the name Jeff Henderson for a long time… NAI is an organization with professionalism and integrity that will negotiate endorsement and competition opportunities that are in Jeff's best interest allowing him to remain focused on his training. As his coach, I appreciate that."

National Athletic Institute is a 501(c)(3) non-profit charitable organization proudly dedicated to supporting struggling US athletes. 100% of dollars collected fund our athletes' most basic needs including: nutrition, housing, equipment (para-athlete wheelchairs & prosthetics, shoes, implements, & apparel), entry fees, travel, & lodging to competitions for both our able-bodied and para-athletes. Visit www.nai-usa.com to learn more.

SOURCE National Athletic Institute