Athlete Profile: Jake Watson

Jake Watson profile image and Jake Watson pole vaulting

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.