Michael Mason, shown here competing in 2013, represented Canada at his fourth Olympic Games in Tokyo. (Jamie Roach/Dreamstime.com)

By Alex Rawnsley

OVER THE BAR

‘I’m pretty proud of the work we put in:’ local high jumper reflects on unique Olympic experience

Aug 7, 2021 | 11:52 AM

NANAIMO — It may have ended a little earlier than he’d hoped, but a Nanoose high jumper is relishing his fourth Olympic experience.

Michael Mason cleared 2.25 metres in the qualification round, but fell short of advancing to the final of the men’s high jump at Tokyo 2020.

Mason told NanaimoNewsNOW the uniqueness of the Tokyo games will stay with him for a very long time, compared to his experience at Beijing 2008, London 2012 and Rio 2016.

“To have that feeling walking into a stadium and just basically a bunch of coaches there looking down, I was a bit surprised that once you’re in it and you’re focused on the competition, I don’t think it really affected me too much. I was feeling still pretty amped up to compete.”

Mason’s had to watch the final from the sidelines. The gold medal was shared for the first time since 1912 between jumpers from Qatar and Italy, which Mason said was “an incredible moment.”

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A pre-Olympic training camp was held a couple of weeks before the games in Gifu, around 275 kilometres west of Tokyo, with Mason competing on July 29.

Strict COVID-19 protocols limited athlete’s free time and closely monitored their movements at competition, on the warm-up track or in the Olympic village.

He was unable to explore much of the city and was evicted from the athletes village and flown back to Canada around 48 hours after he wrapped competition.

“It was a strange experience because it was so quick but it was very memorable and one I will be able to appreciate in the future. I put so much work into preparing for Tokyo, my coaches did too and we gave it our best shot and I’m pretty proud of the work we put in.”

Mason’s focus turns to the remainder of the summer track and field season, which he’ll prepare for out of his home gym in Nanoose and workouts with the Nanaimo Track and Field club.

Part of his role with the club is working with some younger athletes.

“I have got to work and hopefully give some advice to some of the younger guys. I know there’s one who’s doing very very well and I hope he’s benefited from some of the tips I was able to give him.”

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alex.rawnsley@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @alexrawnsley