Athlete Profile: Jake Watson

Name

Jake Watson

Course and Year of Study

Engineering Science

College

Brasenose

Sport

Athletics (Pole Vault, 100m, 200m)

Club

OUAC / Birchfield Harriers AC

Highest Competition Level

National

Best Achievement

BUCS indoor title 2022

Short Term Aspirations

OUAC all-time record (Pole Vault), Varsity match record (Pole Vault), OUAC all-time list (100m/200m)

Long Term Aspirations

Compete at a major championship (Olympics, World Champs, European Champs)

How did you get into the sport?

This is everyones favourite question when I tell them I do Pole vaulting as a hobby! I was a GB gymnast as a child, so moving to Pole Vaulting was a natural transition (especially for a 6'1" guy who became too tall for gymnastics!) 

How has the Blues Performance Scheme helped you?

Before I was accepted onto the BPS in my second year, I didn’t know what doing sport seriously looked like! The BPS has helped nurture me as an athlete and taught me many valuable skills that I will undoubtedly take forward when I graduate next year (in sport and general life).

What is your advice on balancing sport and academia?

Balancing Sport and Academia has never been an issue for me. I believe that sport enhances your focus and makes you generally more positive and productive. In my experience, Sport has always aided my academics - but (ofcourse) there is an element of organisation that is required in order to meet deadlines as well as attend all the sports sessions you want to go to.