Local athlete spends four years training for high jump

The 2019 Simplot games ended today with some of the most anticipated events kicking off the final day.

There was the pole vault, 60 meter dash, the 400 meter relay and the high jump.

One Shelley athlete has been training for the high jump for more than 4 years.

Dick Fosbury, a former high jumper who is considered to be a revolutionizing figure in the event, officiated.

With Fosbury in attendance, the bar is set even higher.

“That was definitely one of my goals, “Said Shelley Track and Field athlete, Ty Wright. “Training when I got to high school was to come to this meet.”

As he prepares for the high jump, he likes to visualize himself clearing the bar.

“There is always nerves, but I think that’s a good thing because it hypes me up, so it gives me adrenaline, so I can run faster and jump higher,” said Wright.

At 6 feet 9 inches, the final round.

Most of the competitors haven’t made it, Ty was one of the final three.

Unfortunately, he could not clear the jump, placing 3rd.

However, Fosbury has high hopes for Ty and expects Wright to make a statement for this coming year’s track season.

“I can’t wait for the outdoor season to see if he can get the state record even,” said Fosbury, “he’s one of the best high jumpers we’ve had.”

“Him saying that, lifts me up a little bit, because if he believes in me, I can believe in myself.” Said Wright.

“As parent’s it’s been fun tow watch his evolution and to see how he’s progressed,” said his father Brian. “So it’ll be fun to see at the next level, to see what he can do. I think he’s going to do great things.”

With track season around the corner, the state record is his next goal.

“Been going after that since freshman year, it’s always in the back of my head. If there’s a year, this is the year. So, I’m going to do my best,” said Wright.

The Idaho State record is 7 feet, 1 inch.