Measured approach for high jumper Mackay

21 January 2025

Measured approach for high jumper Mackay

A change in the measurement of Mackay Jones’ high jump approach has made a significant different to the performances of the recently crowned Australian All Schools champion from Albion Park, who is in no rush in his athletics career, but rather taking a mature and measured approach to his future.

Last month in Brisbane at the national schools, the Athletics Wollongong athlete cleared a PB 2.07m to take the under-18 title with a three-centimetre PB. On Friday afternoon in Maitland at the NSW Country Championships Jones negotiated a terrific 2.00m clearance in atrocious weather conditions. Not only was there rain and cool conditions, but the high jumpers also needed to contend with a strong wind behind them throwing there runup out.
“Considering the conditions, I had a big tail wind and it was raining, I’m pretty happy with that,“ said Jones.

It has been a rapid rise over the last two summers for the Dannielle Clarke coached athlete.
“I cleared 1.90m this time last year which was big for me considering I had only started the season with a best of 1.75m. I had a really big off season which pushed me over two (metres) this summer.
“I was pretty shocked when I jumped 2.04m at CHS (in September 2004),” said Jones. 
Over this summer he has cleared 2.00 metres, or more, in four competitions.

What does he consider has been the key to his progress?
“My run up is a lot stronger and is a bit longer now. Also lots of strength work.” 

He has also changed his sporting priorities.
“I played rugby league for 10 years, but I’m now concentrating on athletics,” he said.
The pandemic also has been a factor in him landing in athletics and specifically the high jump.
“I was looking everywhere (for an event) and then kind of fell into high jumping during COVID.”

The year 12 student who is considering studying sports psychology, is 18 months away from the next World U20 Championships, where already his performances would place him a strong selection hope. But Jones is in no hurry.
“I don’t want to rush it but go at my own pace. Junior Worlds (in 2026) would be really good, but if it doesn’t happen, it doesn’t happen, and I will keep working and pushing my way forward.”

David Tarbotton for Athletics NSW
Image: Mackay Jones (courtesy of David Tarbotton)