A 7-foot jumper at the University of Iowa, Peter Hlavin has made history at 6 feet — joining Willie Banks as the M55 American age-group record holder. He cleared 1.83 meters Saturday at the Pasadena Senior Games at Caltech. Even more amazing — it was his first 6-foot jump since 2008! But Willie remains the oldest American 6-footer, since Peter turned 55 on January 7 and Willie was 56 when he went 6. Peter was a walk-on at Iowa, but earned a scholarship his sophomore year. He competed against Noel Rubel, now a masters multi-eventer. Peter entered masters in 2007 at age 49 and says: “During my first week of coaching high jump at a local high school, I saw these kids jumping and said to myself ‘If they can do it, then so can I.’  I ordered high jump shoes that evening (Tuesday), the shoes arrived on Thursday, and I competed in my first meet that weekend.  I made 5-4 (1.62m) and strained my hamstring too!” When I informed Willie of the new mark, he replied: “Fantastic! I know Pete, he is much deserving!” Fellow jumper Annelies Steekelenburg shot this delightful video:

Here’s a quickie Q&A with Peter:
 
Masterstrack.com: Did you try for a higher height Saturday? If so, what, and how close were you?
 
Hlavin: I took a fair number of jumps (10 competition jumps).  Couple this with a long and drawn out high jump competition and 90 degree temperature, and I’d say that I simply ran out of gas. 

I had to wait around for a long time before it was my turn to jump.  So my opening height was lower than normal.  Ironically, my opening height jump was a miss. My takeoff leg buckled and I crashed into the bar. I had been sitting around a little bit too long —— an ominous start to the competition!

Bar Progression:  

1.55    1.60    1.65    1.72    1.77    1.83
XO    O     O        O    XO       XXO
 
What’s made the difference in your improved jumping this year?
 
There are several factors involved in my improved jumping.  First, I am trying to not let my brain get in the way.  That is, I try not to get too technical with my thoughts while jumping.  Having said that, the biggest difference has been a technical change to my approach made only one month ago —— a long overdue re-engineering of my curve. 

For whatever reason, my takeoff spot seems to be hardwired. That is, my body wants me to place my plant foot in a specific spot every time I jump.  This takeoff point conflicted somewhat with my theoretical computerized model curve. 

After a disappointing performance at Indoor Nationals (2013), I reconfigured my approach so that my new curve ended at my hardwired or prescribed takeoff spot.  When I made this adjustment, I learned that my takeoff angle needed to increase by over four degrees.  Previously, my approach angle was too “shallow” making me run more along the bar prior to takeoff. 

This shallow approach created a tendency for my body to peak in front of the bar (versus peak over the bar). The new adjustment to the takeoff angle resulted in a “steeper” or more perpendicular to the bar angle of attack. 

This steeper takeoff angle allows my body to now peak over the bar.  A side benefit is increased confidence resulting in a faster run-up and, in turn, greater ground force and increased penetration into the pit.
 
Other factors included very disciplined weight lifting program, a desire not to over-train, increased speed work, and last but not least, a solid dose of inspiration from several of my high jump colleagues, including Jim Barrineau, Willie Banks, Tom Foley, Greg Vidos and, of course, Bruce McBarnette. 

Over the past year, these M50 and M55 jumpers all cleared at least 1.80m.  Following 2013 Masters Indoor Nationals, Jim, Tom, Greg and I were all sitting around a table reflecting upon the competition.  I recall thinking to myself that I was the only one in the room without a National medal – a sobering thought.  I wanted to change that picture and said to myself “If they can do it, then so can I.”

I would be remiss if I did not add that my son, a 14 year-old high jumper, instilled some inspiration, as well.  Two months ago, he jumped 1.79m (5-10) ranking him as one of the top Freshman jumpers in California. 

His mark was better than my best jump over the past four years.  Although we both laughed about my passing the torch to him, I still felt that I had some serious hops.  Thus, I would say the prospect of recapturing family bragging rights played a minor role, too.

What’s your new goal for the year?
 
My goal with respect to the high jump is to stay healthy, stick to my game plan and win as many Masters meets as possible.