#PARIS2024: Morgan Lake
High jump hero turned next-gen icon. Morgan Lake is a rising star whose story soars far beyond the bar. We catch up with the Team GB athlete as she gears up to take flight—literally and figuratively—at Paris 2024!
By Glorious
Morgan Lake’s journey in athletics embodies that of dedication, natural talent, and the profound impact of sport on one’s personal growth. From her earliest memories, sports have been an inseparable part of her life. “I can’t actually remember life without sport. From a very young age I’d already tried different sports like tennis, netball, swimming, and then once I was old enough to try athletics I joined my local club,” Morgan reminisces. “My dad was an athlete and very into sport. He was actually my coach until I went to university! My mum on the other hand didn’t come from a sporty background, but she was still interested in getting my brother and I into it”.
So how, in 2023, did Lake break the British indoor high jump record with an outright national best of 1.99 metres, at the specialist Hustopečské skákání meet in Hustopeče, Czech Republic? Well, her success wasn’t a straight path. Initially drawn to the multifaceted challenges of the heptathlon, she found herself drawn to the explosive nature of high jump and the chance to focus on one discipline. “It almost happened accidentally, really,” she admits. Qualifying for the 2016 Rio Olympics in high jump became a turning point, leading her to realise her true calling. “For me, I realised that it was the event I was best at, and the decision to transition paid off” she reflects. “I see people training for the Heptathlon nowadays and I am so glad that isn’t me! I love being able to do the Diamond League circuits and the High Jump meets – I am much happier now that I’ve made the transition”.
This shift, however, didn’t diminish the value of Morgan’s well-rounded background. Loughborough University, with its prestigious athletics program, became a crucial stepping stone for Morgan after she left school. While she intentionally chose a degree which didn’t directly correspond to sport, she admits that her study of psychology enhanced her understanding of the mind-body connection – which in turn has helped her to understand her own behaviours as an athlete.
So how does Lake deal with the pressure of competing on the world stage? “As I’ve got older, I’ve definitely learnt to channel it into something more positive. Now, I just get excited for that pressure and use it as an opportunity to really perform” she shares, highlighting a growth in perspective. As somewhat of a veteran in the Senior British Athletics squad, Morgan embraces her role as a mentor. “I always tell the rest of the team that the most important thing is to just go out there and enjoy it! I remember being told that and I was like, ‘yeah, whatever. I am going to be focused’, but once you’re at the Championships, you’ve done all the hard work already. I’ve found that I’ve performed best when I’m relaxed and happy. When you are enjoying it, that’s when your best comes”.
perspective
Paris 2024 will be Morgan’s third Olympic games and it holds a certain significance for her. “I am super excited that it is in Paris; it’s one of my favourite cities,” she enthuses. Previous Games have given Morgan little time to explore, so this time she anticipates the opportunity to both compete at the highest level and experience the vibrant Parisian culture. So how does the Olympics differ from different competitions and events? “At the end of the day, it is still the same athletes, same event, same track, same shoes, and everything is the same, but it is just heightened by the fact that there’s a lot more people watching and there is a lot more riding on it, which makes it more exciting!” she acknowledges.
Central to Morgan’s journey has been the steadfast support of The National Lottery. “We’re really fortunate with Team GB and Paralympics GB to be powered by The National Lottery,” she acknowledges, “all the funding and support that goes into creating an environment where we can train at our highest level and compete with the best – everyone shows up for the Olympics and everyone wants medals!” The National Lottery is a vital source of funding that empowers athletes like Morgan to train full-time, access world-class coaching, and benefit from cutting-edge technologies. National Lottery players have collectively invested over £300 million into athletics in the UK, not only supporting elite athletes like Morgan but also nurturing the sport at the grassroots level by funding clubs, facilities, and programs across the country.
So does she fancy trying her hand at any other Olympic disciplines? “I think Pole Vault would be really fun – it looks it at least! We both have a bar to jump over after all!” And who does she look up to? “Blanka Vlašić, Carolina Klüft, they’re my athletic heroes,” she says. So you’d invite them to your dream dinner party? “Yep, I also think I’d invite Barack Obama, Beyonce… even Snoop Dogg!” She adds, “I have seen him (Snoop Dogg) doing all of this athletics stuff recently so I’d have to include him”.
With Paris 2024 on the horizon, Morgan’s journey so far is a testament to the magic that sport can create. Whether she’s clearing heights or inspiring the next generation, it’s safe to say Morgan embodies discipline, perseverance, and the limitless potential we all hold. One thing’s for sure, Team Glorious will be glued to the screens this summer, cheering Morgan on as she soars in Paris! Watch this space – Morgan Lake is just getting started!
Morgan Lake features in Path to Paris: The Hunt for Gold – a new documentary, supported by The National Lottery, airing on Saturday 20th July at 4:55pm on Channel 4. The programme follows British athletes as they prepare for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games and offers a unique insight into how The National Lottery players support them on their journey.
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