Doncaster teen ranked number one in the country for high jump

Callie Coates set a new personal best of 1.71 meters recently which not only beat her previous records but also landed her the number one spot in the under 17’s women category nationwide.

Callie, 16, from Auckley, said: “It felt amazing.

“I didn’t have the facility to train for High Jump during lockdown so I wasn’t sure I could do it.”

Callie competes frequently and even has ambitions of going to the Olympics in the future.

But it wasn’t love at first sight for Callie and the High Jump.

She said: “I saw people taken away in stretchers when they landed poorly and thought that wasn’t for me.

“But one day I gave it a go and I haven’t looked back.”

Callie is also a runner and competes in the 300 and 400m races.

In her athletic journey she has already placed in the England Championships and the English Schools competitions.

Lynsey Coates, Callie’s mum, said: “I’m really proud of her.

“It’s taken so much dedication.

“She just has this natural float over the bar.

“She wasn’t able to train during lockdown so she didn’t think she would be able to achieve something like this.”

Callie has aims of jumping even higher in the future and will next be aiming for 1.75 meters.

Callie is part of the Doncaster Athletics Club who she said have been incredibly supportive of her athletic endeavours alongside XP School where she is a pupil.

In these confusing and worrying times, local journalism is more vital than ever. Thanks to everyone who helps us ask the questions that matter by taking out a subscription or buying a paper. We stand together. Liam Hoden, editor.