Track records are usually safe during the first few weeks of the season, when the weather is cold and most athletes are finding their rhythm. But senior Zion Allen got an early start to his record-breaking in 2024 when he leaped 7.0 meters in the long jump at the Hillcrest Invitational, breaking the previous Republic record. It’s just the latest achievement for Allen, who won a medal in the high jump at the state meet last year as a junior.
Allen has surprised even himself with his rapid success. “My junior year was my first ever year doing track, so I really never knew until I actually came out and tried,” Allen said. “Pretty much after the first meet, I think I placed first. After that, I was like, all right, maybe I’m pretty decent at this.”
Allen recalls his surprise at performing so well in his first high jump competition, when he cleared the bar at 6’6″ in the 2023 Republic Classic.
“It just blew my mind compared to the other people, jumping not even six foot,” Allen said. “So it was just a big goal for me, looking at that.”
Now with the school long jump record under his belt, Allen has his sights set on breaking the high jump record as well before he graduates.
“Oh, yeah, of course, of course. I’m trying to break both of them before this year,” he said.
To get in the zone before each jump, Allen has a mental checklist he goes through.
“First of all, your steps. If you mess your steps up, it just throws your whole routine off, so that’s a big thing,” he said. “I try to visualize me jumping before I go, just to keep a clear mind and try to get as high as I can or as long.”
For the rest of his final high school season, Allen’s goal is simple: “Really just keep hitting personal records because that just means I’m getting better and better each meet.”