Atlanta native heads to Olympic trials

ATLANTA - An Atlanta native is one step closer to achieving her Olympic dreams. 

Amber Hughes is a Tennessee State University standout and former Frederick Douglass High School star. She's ranked fourth in the nation in indoor track and made the national outdoor team. Now, she's headed to Oregon for the 2016 Olympic Trials. 

Hughes said she thought she was going to be a cheerleader throughout her high school years, but a growth spurt and a persuasive track coach changed her life forever. 

"Once I saw my abilities and saw how my coaches cared about me and my success, it took off from there," Hughes told FOX 5.

Hughes competes in six events, but it's the triple jump where she's made a name for herself.  

"What my coach encourages me to do is visualize my jump," she said. "That calms my nerves." 

Hughes will head to Oregon this weekend to compete in the triple jump. The qualifying round is set for Monday at 4:15 p.m. and finals are scheduled for Thursday at 6:30 p.m. 

A GoFundMe page has been set up to help Hughes get to Oregon. Anyone who wishes to assist with her Olympic journey can click here. 

The 2016 Summer Olympics are scheduled for August 5-21 in Brazil.