On January 11th, junior Mallory Mead set a new all time record. Mead beat the previously held South Windsor High School indoor track record for the girls high jump, by jumping 5′ 2″ at the 40th Yale Interscholastic Track Classic.
The record was initially set by Preethi Vaidyanathan at 5′ 0 in 2010.
Mead has been very focused on breaking this record. She’s been putting in the work at practice, and it certainly hasn’t gone unnoticed.
“It feels really good since during my freshman year I have been looking at the record and trying to break it, so finally being able to, is a great feeling,” Mead said.
Emotions ran high during the meet, but that didn’t stop Mead from setting her new record. She shared some of her strategies with The Prowl, highlighting the value of experience and determination.
“During the jump, I was trying to stay calm and relaxed so as to not psych myself out. I was controlling my breathing and sticking to my normal routine of only texting a couple people during the event,” Mead explained.
Her coaches’ words of wisdom also circulated in her head when she’s attempting a jump.
“Whenever I’m jumping, I always think to myself of a quote that Coach Hodge told me, and it’s to ‘get over the bar,’” Mead said.
Mead has been working with Coach David Hodge all year to help achieve her goal of breaking the record for high jump, as well as improve her performance overall. Hodge says that he has been prioritizing giving Mead positive feedback to help her accomplish this.
“Mallory has been working hard during practice; she’s been working on her exposure to this, her technique, and she has been spending a lot of time in the weight room getting stronger,” Hodge said.
Mead said that after she completed the jump she felt on top of the world and could not wait to tell her friends that have been by her side supporting her through her journey.
The competition in the high jump event is fierce due to it being smaller than most other track and field events. However, Mead already has her eyes set on breaking the new record. She hopes to jump 5’4 at her next meet.
Mead also competes high jump in the outdoor season as well as javelin. She keeps her eyes on the prize throughout both seasons, one setting her up for success in the other.
SWHS could not be prouder of her most recent accomplishment.
“First, I would like to congratulate Mallory. It is always exciting when a student-athlete ties or breaks a previous school athletic record! This is something to be very proud of, and I know from speaking to Mallory’s coaches Peter Anthony and Dave Hodge that Mallory has been working very hard this season. Both coaches tell me that they won’t be surprised if Mallory breaks her own record again at some point this winter season,” SWHS Athletic Director, David Sytulek commented.
Loved by her coaches for her hard work and dedication, Mallory also credits this accomplishment to her supportive parents and other friends on the team.
“Mallory has spent countless hours working out, training and practicing high jump. Many early morning weight lifting sessions with Coach Hodge, summer workouts in the off season and time spent refining technique have led to this result. We are extremely grateful to Mallory’s coaches and SWHS for providing the resources and support to help lift Mallory to this achievement!” her parents, Lorie and Christopher Mead told The Prowl.
In addition to her work ethic and go-getter mindset, Mead is known as someone who cares about her teammates and has fun doing what she loves
“She’s a great and nice person. We are always laughing at practice, and I love her,” junior Sophia Barona said.
