For Amanda Glegg, finding out how she did during a long jump event at a track a field meet is often more exciting than the jump itself.
After making the leap, the Grade 12 student at Esquimalt High waits in anticipation, eagerly watching as the person brings out the tape to measure the distance of her jump. What comes next is often a surprise.
“It’s like getting a really good mark on a test, but unexpectedly,” said the 18-year-old. “Even though you’ve trained or studied for so long, when you see the numbers posted to the board, it’s just the best feeling.”
It’s a feeling Glegg admits she hasn’t quite gotten used to yet, despite competing in several track and field competitions over the past three years. This week, she was scheduled to make her third appearance in the B.C. High School Track and Field Championships in Langley, competing in triple jump and long jump.
Glegg’s passion for track and field began in elementary school. Having competed in a number of running events, including sprints, hurdles and cross country, she eventually decided triple and long jump were for her.
“Right away I found a knack with triple. It’s such a technical event, but the first time I tried it, it came naturally,” she said. “The feeling of winning and getting better each time, that’s so important.”
Over the past three years, Glegg has improved her technique and her personal best distance in almost every event, pushing her best to about 10.4 metres this season. In the weeks leading up to provincials, she has been practising, watching video and brushing up on proper jumping techniques to help push her to a successful finish.
While she placed fourth in long jump in 2015 and third in triple jump and pole vault last year at provincials, Glegg hopes to wind up her final year in high school with a first-place finish.
The championships run from June 1 to 3 in Langley.