Best in the country

After winning gold in the 11 years boys high jump at the PSSA Athletics National Championships in December through school athletics, Levi was this time representing NSW and Finley Little Athletics, competing in the national 13 years men’s high jump.

Levi’s mother, Ashley Jakeman, said while again a national competition, it was another step up.

“This time it was outside of school sports and was through Athletics Australia and New South Wales Athletics,” she said.

“It was a different level of competition to what he’s experienced before.

“It definitely had a very professional feeling.”

Despite the increased level and atmosphere, Levi managed to put in another gold medal-winning, personal best performance.

He has reached the best at high jump in his age group in the country, as well as surpassing his 1.58m PB from the PSSA National Championships in December.

“He was able to bring home a gold medal with a jump of 1.60m, making him the 2025 Australian Champion for his age group.

“He tried 1.64m but just grazed the bar, but he got his personal best with 1.60m.”

The second and third placed competitors reached 1.55m, which were also personal bests for them. They tried the 1.60m height but couldn’t complete those jumps.

Following his gold medal win, Levi and his support team were pleased.

“He was very excited.

“He had his coach, Paul Cleary, there this time, which was great.

“Paul is based in Ballarat, with Levi travelling to Ballarat regularly for training.”

The Year 7 Finley High School student and Australian champion continues to improve at the sport with no plans to stop any time soon, Ashley said.

“The 2032 Brisbane Olympics is definitely his goal,” she said.

“His plans are to keep pursuing it, keep bettering himself, competing at these sort of competitions, and to keep going with his high jump.”