Incredible high jumps by Kenyan high schoolers

I came across this video on The Guardian about two Kenyan high school boys in a high jump competition. What's incredible is how high these boys are able to jump while abandoning the traditional Flosbury Flop style commonly used by world class athletes, and they jump without the aid of spike shoes.

The video was posted by a Run For Life volunteer, who has since set up a Facebook page to help raise money to support the school. If you are interested in making a donation, click here.






If you know one thing about high jump, it's that it requires incredible leg strength to propel the body. Most athletes approach the beam from one side, and after planting their pivot foot, push their bodies backward, propelling their bodies, with the momentum, over the beam. In my limited experience competing in high school, I used the scissors kick, which wouldn't clear the starting height at any competition. But hey, it was good enough to get me a first place in the junior girls high jump while I was in 9th grade.

These guys, well, I marvel at how good they could become after receiving training and spending significant time in a weight room.

I'm still blogging...

The Lion Park in Johannesburg was one of the highlights of my trip

Hey guys,

I have been gone too long and a few readers have expressed their feelings on my prolonged hiatus. I have no legitimate excuse for taking so long a break other than a very busy schedule, followed by complacency.

As some of you may have known, I spent three months reporting in Johannesburg earlier in the summer. I wrote a few blog entries about my experiences in South Africa, and I intended to continue blogging. However, a number of high profile stories emerged that kept me constantly busy, primarily the coverage of Nelson Mandela's hospital stay, and I became so caught up in performing my duties as a reporter that I had no time to blog.

Once I got back, all burned out from my trip, I figured I'd take a couple of weeks to relax before getting back to blogging. Well...let's just say those few weeks became a few months and here we are. I didn't realize how many people check in to see what stories I blog about, so I didn't think anyone would lose sleep over my disappearance. Honestly, it's been hard committing to blogging regularly during busy periods, especially since I don't generate any income from the site.

That said, I sincerely apologize for the extended break and will once again pledge to continue sharing my thoughts on the news making stories in sports and entertainment. I cannot promise another hiatus won't occur, but I will do my best to keep the stories coming.

Thanks to all who have supported me, and continue to do so. Here's to a series of new stories.