Romaine Beckford advances to Olympic high jump final

In qualifying for the Olympic high jump final during Wednesday's morning session at Stade de France, Razorback Romaine Beckford became the first Jamaican male finalist in the event since 1956.

SAINT-DENIS, France – In qualifying for the Olympic high jump final during Wednesday’s morning session at Stade de France, Razorback Romaine Beckford became the first Jamaican male finalist in the event since 1956.

Among a field of 31 jumpers, Beckford made the 12-person cut to Saturday’s final with a clearance of 7-4.25 (2.24). Beckford opened with a first attempt make at 7-0.25 (2.14), then required a pair of attempts at 7-2.5 (2.20).

“Even during this qualifying round I was still worried about my foot injury since it still hasn’t healed completely,” noted Beckford. “It’s been feeling better with work I’ve done recently.

“Coming out here and qualifying for the final is my dream life. Ever since I started last year I’ve been living the life I’ve always dreamed for. It just keeps coming through and coming through.”

A first attempt make at 7-4.25 was needed to reach the final after Beckford missed three attempts at 7-5.25 (2.27). Five jumpers cleared 7-5.25, and the rest of the final field made 7-4.25. Two jumpers who needed a second and third attempt at the height didn’t advance.

“The goal to come out here was to make sure I cleared everything on the first attempt,” said Beckford. “I knew for sure it wasn’t going to take 7-6 (2.29) to get in with the automatic standard. I figured it would either be a first attempt at 7-4.25 (2.24) or 7-5.25 (2.27) would get you in.

“I ended up with 2.24 instead of 2.27, but it was close. I just need some adjustment and it will come.”

During the Melbourne Olympics in 1956, a field of 22 advanced to the high jump final and Jamaican Ernie Haisley qualified in 19th place and then finished 15th in the final. Other Jamaicans have qualified for the men’s Olympic high jump competition, but Beckford becomes just the second individual to reach the final.

Last season Beckford qualified for the World Championships in Budapest, Hungary, and didn’t make it through the long qualifying round. However, experience on that world stage provided a benefit this time around in an Olympic setting.

“Last year was good experience for me,” stated Beckford, who swept NCAA indoor and outdoor titles the past two seasons. “That was the biggest stage I’ve ever been on. Here in Paris it’s amazing with the crowd. I’ve never heard a clap sound so loud before. It was exciting.

“I used last year as a major experience for me. I gained all the experience last year, and I gained more this year. It’s time for me to actually showcase my talent and put myself into one of the major finals.”