Brian Hankerson jumps 20 feet to break 38-year-old M55 record

Brian was profiled on a November blog.

Brian was profiled on a fitness blog in November.

World champ Brian Hankerson, who trains with college football players preparing for NFL tryouts, long-jumped 6.12 meters (20-1) Friday at the Jimmy Carnes Invitational in Gainesville, Florida. Breaking the 20-foot barrier meant he shattered one of the oldest American records on the books — Boo Morcom’s 1977 mark of 5.87 (19-3¼). He also tied the outdoor M55 AR by Edward Jones in 2002. His speed is sharp, too. “I was really surprised by my time in the 55m of 7.21,” he wrote in reply to an inquiry. “I may be able to challenge the M55 60m record of 7.34 in March if all goes well.” He also says: “I have already set a new goal of breaking the world record of 6.34 (20-9 3/4) in March at the indoor nationals.” His first jump Friday was 5.78 (18-11 3.4).  His second was 5.82 (19-1 1/4) The record came on No. 3. “Everything felt great, and I felt like I could have gone further,” he says. “In preparation for March, I will add a weight regiment to my workouts. I have not lift weights since August. I need to build a stronger base, since this summer I will attempt to compete in the decathlon. I also plan on going to France this summer to compete in the [WMA world meet].”

Brian also writes:

My trainer is an Olympic finalist in the 400 hurdles (2012).  He helped customize a program to help build my speed and vertical power at takeoff.  Much time was spent of proper running form, body posture and knee lift. I feel a lot faster with better control. 

A press release prepared on his behalf says:

Hankerson, who has won more than 15 competitions since first competing in USTAF in 2006, is the current Masters National and World long jump champion for ages 50 to 54. Though he competes primarily in long jump, Hankerson also competes in the triple and high jump, 100-meter dash, and indoor pentathlon. He attributes his success to his God-given athletic abilities and a determination toward consistent and focused training.

Hankerson is trained by former Olympic hurdler Eric Alejandro and trains at Chamber Fitness in Davie, Florida, which was founded by former Miami Dolphin player Chris Chambers.

Hankerson says he now has his eyes set on breaking the Master’s 55 to 59 world long jump record of 6.34 meters, set in Budapest, Hungary, in 1995 by Stig Backlund.

A professional CPA, Hankerson is chief financial officer for The Faith Center Ministries in Sunrise, FL.

Mazel tov to Brian, and muchas gracias to Don Burkett, who tipped me off to the record.

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January 26, 2015

11 Responses

  1. al cestero - January 26, 2015

    awsome ..! congratulations…! best wishes to get that world record…!

  2. Mark Cleary - January 26, 2015

    Brian, your amazing. Congrats! I am blessed to be your team mate!

  3. Terry Parks - January 26, 2015

    Fantastic! Great jumping and great attitude. Congratulations. All roads lead to Lyon this year and I will see you there.

  4. James Chinn - January 27, 2015

    Way to go Brian.

  5. Jason Purcell - January 27, 2015

    Wow!

  6. Dan Miller - January 27, 2015

    An honor to have shared the same runway with you. Great determination and dedication!!!!

  7. Damon Blakemore - January 27, 2015

    I have competed against Brian in many events over the last few years. He is a great competitor and I consider him to be s good friend. Congratulations!

  8. Craig Davis - January 28, 2015

    AWESOME !!! Brian is definitely on a mission this year and is putting in the work, which is paying dividends. Looking forward to competing this year. With God’s Speed !!!!

  9. Lindy Raney - January 28, 2015

    Congrats. Great jumping at any age.

  10. Bryan Pierce - January 28, 2015

    I move to M45 in June. This inspires me to keep the fire burning. Well done, Mr. Hankerson!

    Craig, do you have plans for BAYTAF this year?

  11. Peter Hlavin - January 28, 2015

    Excellent! Keep soaring… always!

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