A Sale Harrier jumped a new personal best at an international indoor high jump competition in the Czech Republic this weekend.
Chris Baker, whose lifetime best had previously been 2.28m, leapt to 2.36m at the indoor contest and briefly shared the world lead with Qatar’s Mutaz Essa Barshim.
The Briton, who finished fourth at the 2014 Commonwealth Games, was eventually beaten by Italian jumper Gianmarco Tamberi who managed the new world leading height of 2.38m.
Baker’s effort sees him catapulted him into fourth place on the UK all-time list, behind leading names in the sport; Steve Smith, Dalton Grant and Robbie Grabarz.
The 25-year-old hadn’t improved on his personal best since 2014 but broke it three times during the Hustopece meet, clearing 2.30m and 2.34m before negotiating 2.36 on his second attempt.
Baker, who is coached by Steve Heveran, now has a qualifying mark for next month’s World Indoor Championships in Portland, Oregon.
The British Athletics selection standard is 2.33m.
Baker showed his delight in a series of social media posts.
…and breathe
— Christopher Baker (@ChrisBakerHJ) February 13, 2016
Still watching it. Doesn’t quite seem real yet! massive congrats to @gianmarcotamber great guy, great athlete. https://t.co/vMJuCUoKJB
— Christopher Baker (@ChrisBakerHJ) February 15, 2016
DREAM WORLD: Chris Baker clenches his fists after achieving the mark (image via Instagram, with thanks)
Image courtesy of European Athletics via YouTube, with thanks.
