Jinie soars to new heights with her admission to the US Air Force Academy

Saipan Swim Club’s Jinie Thompson is soaring to new heights as she’s been accepted into the school of her dreams—the U.S. Air Force Academy.

The 18-year-old Marianas High School graduating senior got the nod last May 8, with her in-processing day for the academy set for June 26. Thompson’s high school graduation with her graduating class of 2024 is on May 29.

In the academy, she will be majoring in history. When she found out that she was accepted, Thompson said that she was “very shocked and humbled.”

“It has been my dream for as long as I can remember, and to have been selected amongst such a competitive applicant pool feels very rewarding. I want to join the academy to serve my nation and be a part of something bigger than myself,” she said.

Her older sister Jinju, was also accepted into the U.S. Air Force Academy in 2021. With that, Jinie said many people have asked her if she had just wanted to follow her sister’s footsteps, but she said, “While we are both going to be attending this school, we will be having our own unique journeys and paths that will shape the people we become when coming out of the academy.”

Jinie thanked her parents for all they’ve done for her. “My dad for being the most kind and supportive father, and my mom for pushing me to strive for the best without pressuring me. My older sister deserves my heartfelt appreciation; she’s not only my best friend but also my rock. I don’t know where or who I would be without her.”

“To my friends, who were always hopeful and cheered me on during this long application process, I am sincerely thankful. Congressman Gregorio Kilili Camacho Sablan, thank you for working hard toward helping the students of the Marianas succeed and for being so encouraging when speaking with me,” she added.

Jinie also wants to honor her late grandfather for his service in the U.S. Air Force and for being an inspiration to both her and her sister. “Most importantly, I express my gratitude to the Lord for all he does. This achievement is all thanks to Him because God is so good,” she said. “My gratitude also goes out to the Saipan Swim Club coaches and family.”

Richard Sikkel, coach of the SCC said of Jinie’s acceptance into the academy, “Acceptance alone is huge. I am super happy for Jinie that she did get the nod from the AF. Jinie decided to skip the Pacific Games so she could get her applications in, the decision paid off, and she has a few options available to her to choose from,” he said. “Whichever school she decides on will be lucky to have her, swimming has taught her perseverance, and I have no doubt she will be successful.”

Jinie has been a swimmer in the SCC for more than 11 years and has also been part of the CNMI National Swim Team. She swam and set personal bests in multiple international competitions including the 8th FINA World Junior Swimming Championships 2022, 18th FINA World Championships Budapest 2022, World Aquatics Junior Swimming Championships 2023, and the Oceania Swimming Championships 2024.