Finley’s Levi Jakeman has become an Australian Champion in the 11 years boys high jump.
It was one of two disciplines Levi competed in at the School Sports Australia Athletics Championships, PSSA Athletics National Championships at Sydney Olympic Park.
The championships started well for Levi, who took part in a combined relay with one other able-bodied athlete and two multi-class athletes.
“They ran a 1.05 (minutes), and they received points for the multi-class athletes, so they won the silver medal in that event,” Levi’s mother Ashley said.
“It really started him off for the week.”
Levi had a rest day before his best individual event, the 11 years boys high jump.
Ashley said the high jump final had entrants from across the country.
“There were around 20 athletes from all the different states,” she said.
“Levi went all the way to the final few jumps, even attempting heights he’d never achieved before.
“He tried the 1.60m bar, but it unfortunately just fell off as he was getting off the mat.”
After becoming NSW state champion in October with a jump of 1.55m, Levi went 3cm better at the national level, achieving a height that he unsuccessfully attempted at the state championships.
“However, he got 1.58m, which was a new PB for him.”
This height was enough to secure gold and official title as the 11 years boys Australian high jump champion again, just beating his NSW counterpart.
“The boy who was second and also from New South Wales got 1.55m.”
Ashley said most of Levi’s family made the journey to Sydney to see him compete and experience the national level competition.
“Myself, my husband, grandparents and siblings were all in attendance because we wanted to see what it was like.
“Overall, it was a really good learning experience and made him learn about responsibility.”
Ashley said the family was thankful for all the community support Levi has received on his way to the national competition.
“To all the local sponsors, we’re very appreciative of all their support,” Ashley said.
While there’s not another tournament on the agenda for the Year 6 Finley Public School student in the immediate future, he’s always aiming for that next high.
“He’s got a coach now that he goes and sees, and Levi is very determined to get to the 2032 Olympics in Brisbane.”