Dominic Chow is a name that demands to be remembered. Chow, a senior and three-year veteran of the track team, made indoor track history by breaking the school indoor triple jump record with an astonishing 40 ft and 5 in jump while also placing second for the farthest long jump.
Chow did not start as a record breaking jumper. Initially, he was set on running sprints for the track team. However, due to the overwhelming number of people already committed to sprinting, Chow decided he wanted to do something different and found jumping as his calling. “I just joined to try something new,” Chow said.
The record-breaking triple jump felt no different to Chow, to him it was just another jump. Approaching the runway, the record was not on his mind. Chow had a personal record that he was determined to beat and a team that was in need of a good showing from him. “Before I jumped it just felt like any other jump. After I jumped, I was delighted that I PR’d (Personal Record) by nine in, but I didn’t know I broke the record. When I went back to the stands, coach then told me I broke the record and I couldn’t really believe it,” Chow said.
Succeeding as a jumper is no easy feat. Countless hours of grueling training and year-round work is a necessity in order to be recognized as one of the best. Chow’s journey has been no different. His first recorded triple jump at the Friday Night Spikes meet against Churchill was marked at 37 ft and 1.5 in. While this jump did put him at first in the team for the school, Chow would have a long way to go before even coming close to the indoor record.
With the help of his coaches and teammates, Chow would progress exponentially within his next seasons on the team. The jumping coach, Matthew Febles, has been a particular source of inspiration and motivation for the young track star. “My biggest mentor has been all of the track coaches for being there whenever I need anything or have any questions. Coach Febles especially taught me a lot about jumping,” Chow said.
Chow’s accomplishments do not stop at just the triple jump. He is just 5.25 in away from the long jump record, currently held by sophomore teammate Keith Cartwright. Outside of his competitive jumping career, Chow participates in wushu, a Chinese martial art form. Competing as a member of the A team for wushu, Chow displays remarkable commitment and dedication for both jumping and martial arts. “Dominic is exceptional because he has extreme dedication to the sport and is highly motivated,” indoor track coach and technology teacher Matthew Davis said.
If time allows, Chow says that he plans to continue his track and jumping career throughout college. This high school triple jump record will surely not be the last we hear from Chow.
Matthew Lind
Staff Writer
