Famous Virginia Athletes (with High Schools)
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Terrance Jennings
Terrence Jennings - born on July 28, 1986, in Alexandria, Virginia, is a distinguished American taekwondo practitioner who earned a bronze medal at the 2012 London Olympics. He began his taekwondo journey at age 10 after encountering a promotional kiosk at Landmark Mall, inspired by his admiration for the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. His early talent was recognized by former Olympian Patrice Remarck, who guided him into competitive taekwondo.
Jennings attended T.C. Williams High School (now Alexandria City High School), where he was active in both taekwondo and track and field. He later enrolled at Northern Virginia Community College, balancing academics with part-time work to support his training.
His international career commenced in 2003 with a silver medal at the Junior Pan American Games in Rio de Janeiro. He continued to excel, securing bronze medals at the 2009 Summer Universiade in Belgrade and the 2011 Pan American Games in Guadalajara.
At the 2012 London Olympics, Jennings competed in the men's 68 kg featherweight division. After an initial loss to eventual gold medalist Servet Tazegül, he entered the repechage bracket. In a dramatic bronze medal match against Brazil's Diogo Silva, Jennings clinched victory with a decisive three-point headshot in the final second, winning 8–5.
In April 2016, Jennings joined the U.S. Army as an infantryman and became part of the World Class Athlete Program (WCAP). He continued to compete at a high level, winning gold at the 2018 U.S. National Championships in Salt Lake City while training under the USA Olympic taekwondo coach in Miami.
Standing at 6 feet 1 inch and competing in the 68 kg (150 lb) weight class, Jennings is celebrated for his agility and strategic prowess in the ring. His journey from a local martial arts enthusiast to an Olympic medalist exemplifies dedication and perseverance.
Erron Kinney
Erron Kinney - born on July 28, 1977, in Ashland, Virginia, is a former NFL tight end whose athletic journey began at Patrick Henry High School in Ashland. There, he played alongside future NFL lineman Damien Woody, and together they led the Patriots to a Virginia state championship in 1994.
Kinney accepted an athletic scholarship to the University of Florida, where he played under coach Steve Spurrier from 1996 to 1999. After redshirting in 1995, he contributed to the Gators' Bowl Alliance national championship in 1996. Over his collegiate career, Kinney appeared in 45 regular-season games, starting 15, and recorded 39 receptions for 507 yards and five touchdowns. Named to the SEC Academic Honor Roll in 1996 and 1998.
In the 2000 NFL Draft, Kinney was selected in the third round (68th overall) by the Tennessee Titans. Standing 6 feet 5 inches tall and weighing 275 pounds, he played for the Titans from 2000 to 2006. His most productive season came in 2005, with 55 receptions for 543 yards. Over his NFL career, Kinney totaled 178 receptions for 1,750 yards and 10 touchdowns.
After retiring from professional football, Kinney pursued his longstanding interest in firefighting. He became a firefighter in Brentwood, Tennessee, in 2008 and later served as fire chief in Mt. Juliet, Tennessee; Sherborn, Massachusetts; and, as of 2019, Norfolk, Massachusetts.
Kinney's transition from the NFL to public service exemplifies his commitment to teamwork and leadership both on and off the field.