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Last Updated: Feb 6, 2017 - 2:32:04 PM |
Photo: Bahamas Athletics/Kermit Taylor
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Over the years, the Bahamian sporting public has become accustomed to obtaining a large haul of medals at all regional as well as international meets of track and field competitions.
It is worthy of note, that on a consistent basis, Team Bahamas has been, at all levels of track and field, have been recipients of medals in high jump.
In 1995, Troy Kemp had a major break-through, by winning a gold medal at the IAAF World Championships in Gothenburg Sweden.
This World Championship performance was repeated by Donald Thomas in 2007 at the championships in Osaka Japan. In 2011, Trevor Barry achieved a bronze medal at the World Championships in Daegu Korea.
At the Carifta level, Team Bahamas had become accustomed to winning the gold medal at this regional event, at both the under seventeen and under twenty age group levels. Jamaal Wilson was a perennial winner, and then Raymond Higgs won and set the Carifta record in 2009 in St. Lucia.
A new kid on the blocks…..at the high jump pit
Back in 2010, a tall, lanky individual made his mark on the track and field scene, having won the Government School Meet, (GSSSA), the BAAA High School Nationals and then the Carifta Trials.
This individual was Ryan Ingraham….who can be seen working out under the watchful eyes of Coach James Rolle, a former standout high jumper.
Ryan made his first national team, and at the Carifta Games in George Town, Cayman Islands, April 3-5, 2010.
For his first outing, he was successful in obtaining a silver medal with a leap of 2.11 metres. His next time as a member of the Carifta Games was in Montego Bay in 2011 where he again obtained a silver medal.
Progression of competition
At the Jr. Pan Am Championships in Miramar Florida, in 2011 Ryan obtained the silver medal. In the same year, he went on and was a finalist at the Senior CAC Championships, placing fourth, in the high jump which was won by compatriot Trevor Barry.
Ryan Ingraham ended 2011 with an IAAF Worldwide best jump of 2.23 metres and a ninth world junior ranking.
Ryan Ingraham in Montego Bay, Jamaica in 2011 Photo: Bahamas Athletics/Kermit Taylor
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Competitions 2012
Ryan Ingraham continued with high level competitions in 2012.
Again he won the GSSSA Championships as well as the trial for the Carifta Team. He was to go on and win the gold medal at the Carifta Games in Hamilton Bermuda.
At the Fritz Grant Invitational Meet, on May 12, Ryan did his all-time best, and leaped a height of 2.28 metres, thus reaching the B qualifying standard for the London Olympics this summer in London England.
Having been jumping for an exceptionally long period of time, at this meet, and without competition and under adverse weather conditions, Ryan made one attempt at 2.31 metes, which is the A qualifying standard for the said Olympic Games.
Upon being unsuccessful on his first attempt, he decided to discontinue with the competition. The decision taken reflected the fact that there will be other occasions.
Competitions outstanding
The BAAA Nationals and Olympic Trials will be held during the period June22-23, and there will be an opportunity for Ryan to face off against the veterans, Trevor Barry and Donald Thomas, who have both met the A qualifying standard for London Olympics.
Ryan has exceeded the 2.15 metres qualifying standard for the IAAF World Jr. Championships in Barcelona Spain, July 10-15.
Additionally, there is a meet in El Salvador on July 1, 2012. Ryan Ingraham has indeed joined the list of world class Bahamian high jumpers. For the first time in Bahamian sports history, Team Bahamas will register three athletes, who have met the Olympic qualifying standard in the high jump. Needles to say, Bahamas Athletics wishes them all well….and we are proud the young Ryan Ingraham has joined the veterans, in enhancing the performance and medal potential in the high jump.
We eagerly look forward to the heads-up competition of Trevor Barry, Donald Thomas and Ryan Ingrahamat at the Senior Nationals/Olympic Trials, and of course at the actual Olympic Games in London. Ryan Ingraham is a champion in the making. Congratulations…and continue to do well.
SOURCE
© Copyright 2012 by thebahamasweekly.com
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