Well this was a crazy meet one that I thought I might not even compete in!

I strained my back the day before the competition and it did not feel good in the warm ups before the meet.  I did my usual warm up and then took a few jumps at some low heights.  Then the height was raised to 2.10m (6-10.75) and I may have made it one time out of 5 jumps.  I was getting worried in my head but I didnt let it get to me.  My back kept on getting more and more loose every jump.  I decided to open up at 2.10m there were only 4 of us in the competition so I knew the competition was going to go by fast which was good because I needed to keep moving around to keep my back from getting tight.  So soon enough I was up and cleared the bar pretty easily at 2.10m but it didnt feel great.  Then the same happened for the next 2 heights, 2.15m and 2.20m.  I was in the lead at this point.  Andra Manson missed once at 2.20m then passed to 2.24m and made it on his first attempt while it took me two jumps.  My first jump I didn't hold my take off and went into the bar taking it off with my shoulders.  The bar was then raised to 2.27m and again Andra made it on his first attempt.  I knew if I could make this height on the first attempt as well I too would be tied with Andra but again I went into the bar and didnt hold my take off, but on my second attempt hit a great jump easily sailing over the bar.  This big jump gave me a lot of confidence going into the next height 2.30m.  Andra missed his first attempt I missed my first attempt then Andra missed his second.  I knew then that this was my chance to take the lead and I took it with a great make at 2.30m possibly the best jum I had all night.  Manson settled down and made his 3rd attempt at 2.30m.  So I was in the lead now but couldnt relax because I knew Andra was very capable of making 2.32m, but he missed out on all three jumps while I had a great first attempt and eventually prevailed on my 3rd jump!!!!  Opened the season up with 2.32m which ties my indoor PR and is only 1cm off my outdoor PR, 2.33m

I thought this meet was a great statement for USA high jumpers.  And hopefully will start to open the eyes of more spectators.  I think that if we keep this kind of jumping up more and more people will be interested in the sport which is my ultimate goal.  So USATF take note and keep your eyes open for bigger and better comps by more USA high jumpers. 

Finally I have to say I am pleased with the competition and am getting excited for Arnstadt this weekend 2/7.  http://www.arnstadt.net/hmm/ This is possibly the top high jump competition in the world year in and out. 

Look at the start list and see the potential