3-Time Olympian Michael Mason Is Still Looking For More
Michael Mason of Nanoose Bay is a three-time Olympian in the high jump and owns a personal best of 2.33m. Mason recently placed second in the High Jump at the prestigious Millrose Games with a jump of 2.27m. BC Athletics caught up with him to see how he is settling into his new training environment and what goals he has for the 2017 season.
BC Athletics: First off we would like to say congratulations on your recent performance at the Millrose Games. Can you tell us a little bit about the performance and what it is like to compete at the Millrose Games against your new training partner and the defending Olympic Champion, Derek Drouin?
Thank you. I was very pleased with a 2.27m performance this early in the season. I didn’t go into the competition with any expectations, and ended up being pleasantly surprised. I have competed against Derek for a number of years now, and I feel like he always pushes me to perform my best.
BC Athletics: 2017 has been a year of changes for you. You’ve recently moved back to your childhood home in Nanoose Bay and began working with a new coach, Jeff Huntoon. Can you tell us a little about what led to the change and what you hope to see from it?
I was a little beaten up after finishing the Olympic cycle, and I knew I had to make some positive changes if I wanted keep competing. Luckily, Jeff Huntoon and strength and conditioning coach, Dale Lablans, both were willing to help me. I have already benefitted from my new coaches emphasis on getting healthy and strengthening some weaknesses that had plagued me for years. The support I have been given so far has been outstanding and I hope to continue to build off what was a short but good indoor season.
BC Athletics: As a three-time Olympian what continues to drive you? There aren’t many three-time Olympians and even fewer four-time ones, are the 2020 Tokyo Olympics something you are targeting?
It really comes down to my love for the sport and competition. I still feel like I can continue to progress and become a better athlete. If I can continue to be competitive and healthy, Tokyo will definitely be on my mind.
BC Athletics: Where can fans expect to see you compete next and what are your goals for later in the Outdoor season?
I am hoping to open my season somewhere warm, perhaps at Mt. SAC Relays. My main goal for the outdoor season is to qualify for, and make the final in, the World Outdoor Championships in London.
Thank you Michael and good luck in your upcoming competitions!
Chris Winter - BC Athletics
