Although she finished 13th at the 4A qualifying meet at Norwalk, Akol expressed her disappointment in not being able to garner any points for her team. Despite this, she maintained a positive outlook, citing her impressive performance and consistency in her jumps. According to Akol, her offseason training and focus on vertical have significantly improved her jumping ability.
“In the offseason, I really put in the work during the summer… During the winter, I trained hard… especially with vertical,” Akol said. “I think I’ve just gotten stronger. Last year I was there, but I didn’t have the vertical to back it up. This season I’ve definitely been jumping at higher heights than I was last season.
I’m way more consistent.” Ayak’s coach, Erica Lynn Douglas, praised her athlete’s performance, noting her exceptional power as a jumper. “Ayak is a power jumper,” Douglas said. “She has a lot of ups in that final step.” As qualified jumper No. 15 in 4A, “Akol looks forward to another opportunity to shine at the state meet.”.. which takes place May 16-18 at Drake Stadium in Des Moines.
With her improved technique and strength, “she is expected to give it her all and make her team proud.” Source: Yahoo Sports.
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Akol performed well for a freshman, placing 13th with a jump of five feet even. But she was unable to garner any points in the team scoring.
It was an outstanding showing, but Akol was disappointed she did not contribute to the team’s scoring.
“This year I wanted to come back and redeem myself from the state meet,” Akol said. “Our team was going for the (4A) title, and (me) not being able to get any points up last year – I really put the work in during the summer. During the winter I trained hard, especially with vertical.”
Akol is headed back to Drake Stadium in Des Moines to compete in the 2024 state track and field meet, which takes place May 16-18, after clearing the bar at 5-1 during the 4A qualifying meet at Norwalk on Thursday.
Akol came in third at the qualifying meet behind Dowling Catholic’s tandem of Alex Gaskell and Kate Nelson, who jumped 5-5 and 5-3, respectively. She ranks 15th among qualified jumpers in 4A.
After a busy offseason training and working on her jumps, the athletic sophomore is anxious for another opportunity on the big stage.
“I think I’ve just gotten stronger,” Akol said. “Last year I was there, but I didn’t have the vertical to back it up. This season I’ve definitely been jumping at higher heights than I was last season. I’m way more consistent.”
“Last year I was actually a 10-step jumper, but the first practice of the season my coach was like ‘You look really good from 8-step, maybe just do that this season,’” Akol said. “That’s worked for me this season and I’ve done pretty well.”
“Ayak is a power jumper,” said Ames coach Erica Lynn Douglas. “She has a lot of ups in that final step.”
