Burke’s love for sports shines through in high jump

Perseverance and dedication have been the endearing qualities of Our Lady of the Angels' Jourdaine Burke qualities, which showed themselves in claiming the school's first points at JISA/Little Caesar's National Prep School Track and Field Championships Thursday.

Burke captured gold on his final attempt with an effort of 1.35 metres ahead of Emmanuel Christian Academy's Dejaun Harley, who came second in 1.30. Amorey Green completed a double medal for Our Lady, finishing third also with 1:30.

Burke battled through an injury to his knee, which required him to wear support while he was competing.

"It was very difficult. My knee hurts because I hurt something. I have to wear the knee support, and it still hurts, but I just tried my best," Burke said.

With Harley and Green unable to land their final attempts, Burke said that his mother's encouragement earlier that morning was key to him being mentally ready to take that final jump.

"I was thinking that I hoped I could win. I remember my mom saying this morning that every time, just try your best," Burke said.

His coach Grace Bourah said she was happier for him because of the challenges that he had to go through to get to this point, with his love for sports shining bright even in the final moments.

"It was more of an emotional feeling for me, considering what he has been through, but he is a boy that enjoys his sports. So I am happy for him," Bourah told STAR Sports. "I just told him to 'calm down, you have been here before, you finished second last year. You either give it away or take it for yourself. So just relax. Enjoy yourself and have the best fun in the air'."

His dedication to his craft is equalled by how he applies himself in the classroom, qualities that make him an ideal person to coach.

"He is a child who works hard. He is focused both academically and also in the sport that he does. So it is not hard to coach him. He follows instructions well," Bourah said.