Gabriel Salinas III found his love of shot put at the age of 5.

"My uncle took me to a track meet in Pharr. I got third place," said Gabriel, a 10-year-old fifth grade student at Roel and Celia Saenz Elementary School.

Five years later, the Roma boy is a three-time gold medalist in shot put in the boys' bantam division of the Amateur Athletic Union's Junior Olympics.

He won his third gold medal last summer in Detroit when he threw the shot more than 35 feet, a personal best for him. In 2007 he won the gold medal for throwing the shot more than 28 feet; in 2006 he captured the top spot for throwing the shot more than 24 feet. He started his Junior Olympics career in 2005 ranking fifth for throwing the shot more than 21 feet.

Gabriel and his family were able to have some fun during their stay up north.

"We went to Niagra Falls. It was the best thing ever," he said.

His mother, Noemi Salinas, said she wasn't sure at first about his desire to pursue the sport. But when she saw how much he enjoyed it and how well he performs, she became a full supporter.

"It's great. It's good exercise and it keeps him motivated," Noemi Salinas said.

And now his younger brother Randall Lee, 5, is getting involved in shot put. He competed for the first time in Detroit, Noemi Salinas said.

Gabriel's involvement in sports also helps with his studies, she said.

He maintains good grades in school, especially in math, his favorite subject. Gabriel said he hopes to receive a scholarship for his grades and shot put skills so he can go to college and become a pharmacist.

Right now he's taking a break from practicing and focusing more on school work. He practices about once a week now, but starting January he'll be training for his next Junior Olympics in Des Moines, Iowa.

Gabriel said his training includes doing 100 push-ups and sit-ups, as well as practicing his throws for about an hour.

It may seem like a lot of work for someone so young, but Gabriel said he doesn't mind. He wants to make sure he stays a national champion.

Jennifer L. Berghom covers education and general assignments for The Monitor. She can be reached at (956) 683-4462.