State Champion spotlight: Giovanni McKenzie (MDI HS)
What were your preparations leading up to the state meet?
Well, I had to get my mind into that championship zone, I was trying my best to keep calm, not worry about what will happen and what's going to happen, I told myself to just go out there and do my best, you've work hard all season and it's time to show everyone what you got.
How did you deal with the pressure and emotions that come along with competing in a state meet?
Well I had a little bit of pressure because my team was depending on me to get that 10 points, I proved myself in the regular meets so they were expecting me to come out and excel. I wasn't too worried because I had faith in my body and I knew what it could take and what it couldn't. I was very excited for this state meet because I knew I would go out there and jump against kids that I've always heard about but never competed against before, so it was a good feeling knowing I worked hard to be where I wanted to be.
You improved from 35ft at last years state meet to a winning jump 42-8 this year. How did you improve so much?
I worked hard and was very dedicated to win. I worked hard all season, I was in the weight everyday after practice building my calves, hamstring, quads, building every little thing that would give me that push when I got off the board and into the pit. I trust the process and knew everything will come together in due time, I just had to be patience and tell myself it's my year and no one will stop me.
Coming into the season what were your goals and did you achieve them?
My goals this season was to jump 40ft, but instead I got a PB of 43-3, new facility record, and won both PVC and State championship, I wasn't expecting to do this much because my focus was to only get 40ft, but I did more than that and I'm grateful for the success that came my way.
How do you think winning an individual state title will effect you heading into outdoors?
Well winning that state title it allows me to feel confident and do as much or even better in outdoor, my competitors will expect me to come out and give them my best performance this outdoor season and I'm expecting them to do the same.
What are your plans for next year, where will you be headed to college?
I am planning on doing track next year in college, I've given a lot of thought into Keiser University , West Palm beach FL, they've offered me 2 scholarships, and 1 is for track so all my attention is there.
McKenzie's Triple Jump Progression
| INDOOR | Graph |
|---|---|
| 2017 | 43-3 |
| 2016 | 36-9 |
| 2015 | 36-6 |