Yeovil Olympiads Athletics Club played host to their first athletics meeting of 2020 at the Bill Whistlecroft Arena on Saturday 29 August.

As the Yeovil Games 2020 cannot take place under the current restrictions, the club have scheduled two mini-opens with this Field Open Meeting being the first. The second is scheduled for Saturday 5 September which includes track events up to 800m.

BAC’s Jazmin Cooke entered the High Jump, her top event and she meant business.

The day started with an apprehensive drive with Jazmin’s support crew in tow (AKA Claire Cooke and Peter Lock). Although the journey was shrouded with nerves, this provided a good base for Jazmin’s adrenaline and passion for success. When they arrived at Yeovil track, it was a very calm atmosphere and the nerves soon settled.

This was the first HJ competition of the season and Jazmin was able to watch the men’s HJ first, a brilliant event before heading over to the waiting area for her own event.
The athletes were taken over in accordance with Covid guidance. The athletes were able to position their run ups and practise jumping prior to the start of the competition. Jazmin put the bar to 1.50m and felt good so she decided to start at 1.56m. She waited in anticipation for the other athletes to commence their jumps.

It was vital for Jazmin to keep her muscles warm as the wind and clouds had dulled the skies by that point. As she limbered up to take on her first jump, the sunshine made a welcome appearance and Jaz flew over the first jump at 1.56m!

Jaz waited patiently as the last few competitors made their final attempts at clearing the bar. The other athletes were unable to stay in the competition and Jaz was then the last girl standing. It was clear she was the winner at that stage.

The next height Jaz attempted was 1.61m and yet again she flew over, clearing it by a good margin. The bar was raised to 1.65m and Jaz convincingly cleared it on her first attempt. As mentioned earlier, Jaz meant business that day and she had a strong belief in herself. She was hungry for success and knew she was could beat last season’s PB of 1.67m. She went for 1.68m and absolutely nailed it in one jump!

Not satisfied with that Jaz asked to raise the bar to 1.70m which was her ultimate goal! She attacked that 1.70m with such determination and drive – she cleared it!!!!

The crowd nearby were cheering passionately and it was no surprise to hear that mum, Claire Cooke was close to tears, what an achievement! To end the day on no less than a high, Jaz attempted 1.72m. However; the exhaustion and realisation had kicked in and she couldn’t quite get the energy she needed to clear it. Regardless, she is over the moon with her results and what an outstanding performance.

Well done Jaz! We’re looking forward to seeing you in action again.