Milan Jamrich has come a long way, baby. Born May 14, 1950, in Czechoslovakia, he high-jumped 7 feet (2.13) as a young man, emigrated to America and became a citizen — and a world-class scientist. Last weekend, in his sixth or seventh nationals, he cleared 1.73 (5-8) to claim gold at Boston — and the M55 American indoor record, his first. So many record-holders, so little time. But what the hey. I sent him a quickie Q&A, and he replied just as fast. Here it is:

You broke the oldest American indoor HJ record on the books — set in 1986. Have you been shooting for this record for long?
I was contemplating this as I switched to a new age class. However, as I begun serious preparation, I tore my calf muscle and my meniscus and had to have knee surgery. It took me more than a year to be fairly comfortable to do heavy weights and high jump. Since I compete only once or twice a year, the trick is to be in top form for these rare events. In my only competition last year in Linz I failed. I jumped 169 cm, just one centimeter below the American indoor record. This time in Boston it worked – I jumped 173 cm. I was happy with that, but based on my performance in practice, I should have jumped an inch or two higher.
What do you think of Asko Pesonen’s M55 world indoor record of 1.81? Is that within your reach?
I am thinking now about the American outdoor record from 1987 that is 179 cm. If I can break that, the world indoor record is not much higher.
How about Thomas Zacharias’ M55 world outdoor record of 1.84?
The world records by Thomas Zacharias in M50 (200cm) and M55 (184 cm) will be very difficult to break. Ask me a year from now.
Can you see yourself topping 6 feet?
6 feet looks pretty high now, but I do dream about it.
How many world championships have you competed in? How many medals?
I competed in two world championships. In Sydney in 2001 (outdoors) I was second with 179 cm. In Linz 2006 (indoors) I was also second with 169 cm. Both times I lost only by 3 cm. There are several very good high jumpers in my age group. One needs to have a little bit of luck to win.
What are your bests by age group?
M40 – 190 cm
M45 – 183 cm
M50 – 180 cm
M55 – 173 cm
In other words – a depressing decline. However, since on the average you are expected to lose about 2cm per year, I am doing OK.
When did you begin masters track competition?
I think my first real masters competition was the 1999 National Masters in Orlando. I was not ready. I ended up being second with 169cm and torn hamstring.
How did you learn about masters track?
Interestingly, on the Internet. When I moved to Houston, I started to work out a little – just for fun. I did not realize that there were masters competitions. One day I searched the Internet for smaller competitions I might participate in, and the master track popped up.
Are you still associated with Baylor College of Medicine?
Yes, I am a professor of molecular and cellular biology and molecular and human genetics at Baylor College of Medicine. I am a developmental biologist.
Where do you live?
I live in Houston. I work out at the University of Houston, which has a wonderful track facility. Folks there are very helpful, especially the coach Will Blackburn, who is devoting a lot of effort to work with master athletes.
Tell me about your immediate family? Married? Kids? Cats and dogs?
I am married. My wife, Kathleen Mahon, is an associate professor in molecular and cellular biology at Baylor College of Medicine. We have a son Alex, who is severely autistic. Alex keeps us too busy to have time for cats or dogs.
What’s their reaction to your athletics accomplishments?
My wife is a runner, so she appreciates it, but naturally she is also somewhat jealous (I hope she does not read this ;-). Alex lives on Mars; as long as I do not travel much, it is OK with him.
How do your co-workers regard your athletics interests?
They have mixed feelings about this. Some think that it is cool, others do not understand why am I jumping in “old folks” competitions.
Who taught you to high jump? Did you ever consider learning the flop?
I grew up in Czechoslovakia. My older childhood friend, Ladislav Sevcik, taught me to jump when I was only 12. I started to compete when I was 14. I emigrated to Germany in 1970, when I was 20 years old. That was about the time when flop became popular at the international scene. However, it was a very turbulent time for me, I had other problems than to learn a new high jump technique. I could switch to flop now, but I really like straddle. It is a beautiful technique, if done correctly, although admittedly less efficient than flop. I feel like I am preserving a part of the sport history by jumping this sophisticated technique.
I’ve seen your posts on my Forum (thanks!), but I’d still like to ask: What’s your advice for someone in their 50s trying to make a high jump comeback after decades away from the sport?
To come back in jumps is more difficult than in other events. Jumping involves an explosive action of muscles and it is very easy to get hurt. If somebody did not work out for several years, I would suggest playing basketball or volleyball for few months before trying to do high jump, then several months of light jumping from 3 – 4 strides.
After a year of working on technique, it will be necessary to hit the weights. It is impossible to improve, or even to maintain, performance in high jump without weight training and plyometrics. High impact, explosive exercises are the key to high jump. Needless to say, your joints will take a beating. However, if you proceed with caution, your bones, joints and muscles will become much stronger.
You have a pretty responsible job. How do you balance work and training?
I definitely feel that exercise helps you to stay mentally sharp. If your job requires you to be mentally fit, the question is not whether you can afford to exercise; the question is whether you can afford not to exercise.

Here’s a shot I took of Milan jumping at Eugene outdoor nationals in 2000: