10.07.2009

Neville into high jump final with new best mark

High jumper Andrew Neville has posted a new personal best height in the qualifying rounds of the boys’ high jump to book his place in Saturday’s final at the world youth championships in Bressanone, Italy.

Entering the meet with a best height of 2.07m, Neville cleared 2.10m on his third attempt in this afternoon’s qualifying round to advance to the decider.

“I’m so excited, it’s so good I don’t know what to say,” Neville said.

“I was hoping to jump 2.10m and make the final and I did that so I’m over the moon, it’s great.”

The New South Welshman predicted the bar would be raised significantly in Saturday’s final, saying a big leap would be needed to figure in the medals.

“The standard is pretty hard, there’s a lot of guys jumping 2.10m but I was one of them today so I’m pretty happy.

"It will take a jump of at least 2.17m to get up there with the leaders but I’ll do my best, I’m just happy I made the final.”

Neville was joined at the meet by coach Fred O’Connor, the jumper grateful for the support offered from the sidelines throughout today’s qualification.

“My coach Fred has helped a lot, he was great, I love him, he’s a good man,” he said.

Neville will now take advantage of a rest day before returning to the action on Saturday. 

“Tomorrow’s going to be a lot of rest, I’m buggered now so I’ll be taking it pretty easy heading into the final,” he said.

For all results from day two, click here.