On Aug. 29, State High senior Jesse Myers competed in Lima, Peru at the U20 Track and Field Championships. Myers got first in his heat and then went on to get sixth in his semi-final heat in the 200-meter sprint.
Myers described his experience in Lima, saying that it was a great opportunity for him to be able to compete and also meet former and future Olympic athletes. But getting there wasn’t a breeze.
“The process was definitely a challenge, you have to qualify at the U20’s championship trials in Oregon in order to get put on the U20 team. Qualifications are top two in your event to get out on the team,” Myers said.
Not only is getting to the U20 Championship hard, the daily work is tough as well. Myers shared the advice he would give to someone wanting to compete on the world stage. “My advice would be to listen to what your coach is trying to teach you and showing up everyday and staying consistent with everything in your life,” Myers said.
State High sprints coach Jayson Jackson has known Myers since he was a youth athlete at Nittany Track and Field. He explained how Myers stands out among the crowd.
“Jesse is a class act and a team player. While he wants to be great, he also wants to be a part of great teams. He gets the bigger picture of the standard [State High track and field] Head Coach Artie Gilkes sets every day. He stays even keel and has been a strong leader on the team through his work ethic and the support he gives his teammates. He keeps the atmosphere light and is able to relax during pressure-filled situations which helps take the edge off for his teammates as well,” Jackson said.
Gilkes described Myers similarly to Jackson, complimenting his calm demeanor and how he handles himself on the track.
Gilkes also talked about Myers’ communication and how he is always talking to him and Jackson to keep them updated. He also added that Myers is about as consistent as you can be, which translates into his races.
“Jesse has a very calm and consistent demeanor and he communicates. He is always communicating with me and his event coach Jayson Jackson. He never misses practice and he maintains a very even strain with everything he does,” Gilkes said.
Myers described the impact his coaches have had on him. “The coaches here have done everything they can to prepare me for moments like those, taking time and helping me every day,” he said.
Myers, after having a blast in Peru, says he plans to return to the world stage. “I would 100% and will 100% be back in world-class meets in my future,” he said.
Myers also said that this was a really helpful experience for his future meets. “Competing in Peru in that big of a meet is never easy but it definitely prepares me for my future in the sport,” Myers said.
Myers and the State High Track and Field team will be back in action this winter for indoor track, and this spring for the regular outdoor season.
