Mason Sallee made it clear that he was one of the best triple jumpers in the state when he won the 4A state championship in May.
Last week, the Federal Way resident proved he was one of the best in the nation.
Sallee took home the bronze medal in the triple at the USA Track and Field Junior Olympics 17-18 year old men’s division. The event was held from July 27-Aug. 2 at the University of North Florida in Jacksonville.
He began qualification for the event at the Pacific Northwest Track and Field Association Championships at Chief Sealth High School in June. The top eight competitors qualified for regionals. He won the event.
Next up for Sallee was the Region 13 Track and Field Championships at Jesuit High School in Beaverton, Oregon. He finished second at the event, making him one of five competitors to qualify for the Junior Olympics from the region.
The men’s triple jump event took place on July 31. Out of the 50 jumpers who qualified, 45 participated. The participants were grouped into four different flights.
“I was in the fourth flight so I was one of the last people jumping,” Sallee said. “I was mentally preparing myself while the first jumpers went. My nerves kicked in when it was my turn. I didn’t jump as well as I could have on that one.”
His first jump was 44-2 1/2, well below what he expected.
“I loosened up on my second jump,” he said. “It ended up getting me the bronze. I feel like my last jump was my best, but I just barely scratched.”
His second jump went 47-7, the same distance that won him the state championship. Datavian Bush of Texas and LeSheon Strozier of Georgia finished ahead of him with distances of 49-2 1/2 and 49-1. Sallee did finish ahead of fellow Washingtonians Keshun McGee and Elijah Williams who placed fourth and fifth.
“I was hoping to PR (personal record),” Sallee said. ” I jumped 47-9 at the association meet. I know what my potential is and I know that I can jump farther.”
Initially, Sallee was disappointed with his performance.
“I learned that sometimes it just doesn’t work out for you the way you want,” he said. “But I got third and I realize that not many people can say that. I learned not to always expect to PR and that I just have to work harder to get what I want.”
The indoor track season in the winter is the next big event he is focusing on. In the meantime, he will continue to train with the Flying AJ’s track club. His plans for next year are to defend his state title and return to the Junior Olympics to win the national championship.
