It's not every day a 14-year-old steps onto the high jump apron and clears a bar that would make even seasoned university athletes do a double take. But at the Nick Wilkes Invitational on April 30th, that's exactly what Jaylah Dennis did.
Soaring over 1.85 metres in the Junior Girls High Jump, Dennis didn't just set a personal best-she launched herself to the top of the U16 national rankings and currently sits third among all Canadian women in the event this outdoor season. Let that sink in: at just 14, Dennis is already competing at a level most athletes dream of reaching years down the line.
"I had this strong inner sense that I was going to hit my goal: 1.85m," Dennis shared. "Up until then, I had only managed 1.75m in practice, so it felt like a big leap-literally and mentally."
The setting for this breakout performance? Langley's McLeod Track-her favourite place to compete. "There's something special about it-the energy, the setting, the vibe," she said. With the sun shining and the mat feeling just right, the stars aligned. "I let go of my fear and just jumped."
And jump she did. The mark stunned even her: "I was really surprised and happy. My coaches were really happy for me too."
But Dennis's season isn't just about high jump. She also clocked 12.20 in the 100m and holds a personal best of 25.16 in the 200m, proving she's a threat across multiple events.
Her journey into track and field began in elementary school, where a single race sparked something bigger. "My mom put me in a school track meet when I was 9 and I beat everyone in my age group. I joined the Coquitlam Cheetahs the same year."