Leonard Grospe sets new national record in high jump, erases coach's old feat

Leonard Grospe set a new national record in high jump on Wednesday in the 2023 Philippine National Games at the Philsports track oval in Pasig.

Grospe cleared 2.20 meters in the high jump event en route to the gold medal.

The Mapua University athlete shattered an 18-year record of 2.17 meters which was previously held by his coach Sean Guevara.

Grospe first cleared 2.18 meters before going on the 2.20 mark. He tried to go higher with 2.22 but fell short.

“Masayang-masaya ako kasi matagal na namin goal na-break yung record ni coach Sean,” said the 6-foot-1 athlete.

(I am happy since it has been our goal to break coach Sean's record.)

Guevara shared with Grospe his happiness in resetting the record.

“Of course I am very happy for Leonard since he was able to break my record. He was able to break the psychological barrier of 2.17 meters, which he had been clearing in practice. I always believed he had it in him to do 2:20,” Guevara said.

“Records are meant to be broken. So feeling fulfilled talaga that he (Grospe) broke it. This is my legacy to the sport that has been very good to me.”   

(Records are meant to be broken. I am fulfilled that he broke it. This is my legacy to the sport that has been very good to me.)

—JKC, GMA Integrated News