A day with Martyn Bernard: British high-jumper aiming for Rio 2016

Matt Jones - Editor 03:21 04/06/2015
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  • Aiming high: Martyn Bernard.

    Martyn Bernard has high hopes of being on the plane to Rio 2016 as part of the Great Britain Olympic team. The 30-year-old high jumper realised a childhood dream by competing for his country at the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing, but was devastated four years later to miss out on a chance to compete on home soil in London.

    He might have missed out in 2012, while chosen high jumper Robbie Grabarz went on to leap onto the podium with a bronze medal, but Bernard has lofty ambitions of seeing out his career in Indian Summer style with a swansong in the Brazilian sunshine.

    He talks to Sport360 about his hopes for Team GB next year, his sporting idols growing up and the fact his career highlight is receiving a sword that he got to keep for a year.

    You’ve been in Dubai recently coaching athletes at Ultimate Athletics. What have you made of the talent on show?

    There’s some talent there. There’s a few kids that really show potential. It’s really good to have some role models so they really do progress and keep that dedication, which is sometimes difficult.

    Here the focus tends not to be athletics, it tends to be shooting and other sports, like cricket. Looking at some of the talent I definitely think there’s some scope for a future generation to come through and do something good in athletics.

    Qatari Mutaz Essa Barshim is from this part of the world and earned quite a reputation after winning bronze in the high jump at London 2012. What do you think of him?

    He’s super talented. His name’s out there and people are following him. Bashim is a great guy, a good kid. He did really well in London 2012 and since then he’s pushed on and is getting some good heights.

    He’s the one to watch. He’s pretty much the top of high jump, he’s number one. He’s definitely in pole position for Rio.

    You’ve been to an Olympic Games. Describe that experience?

    It’s a great experience, competing for Queen and country. It’s good to have done that and get it on the CV.

    It was always a goal, an aim, a dream, so it was everything to me to be able to achieve and experience that.

    What was your one abiding memory from competing in 2008?

    Being there, the crowd of 90,000 and seeing my family tucked away in there before jumping. Them supporting me before I did my jump to get through to the final.

    What was it like missing out on a home Games in 2012?

    It was a tough one because I had a few problems at the start of the season but then things started to come together and I missed out by a few centimetres. It was difficult to be away from but such is life.

    I look back and think I learnt a few lessons from that time and now, with Rio coming, it’d be great to make up for London by being able to get there and compete.

    That’s the main aim then?

    Yeah. Rio, now, for me. It will be my last Games, so being there is something I’d like to do. It’s a cool city too, one of the best in the world. I’m still passionate about high jump and would like to go there and finish my career off on a high note.

    What have you been up to since London and what lies ahead?

    After London I took some time out and didn’t compete. Last season I came back and managed to compete at the Commonwealth Games, and came fifth there.

    Progressing on from that I’m looking ahead to the summer season which has just started. Then next year it’s all about Rio and getting there. I feel my form and fitness is good enough to go.

    At 2012, Great Britain won the second most gold medals and second best haul of total medals ever. How do you see yourselves doing next year as a team?

    It was a home Olympics so naturally things come together. I don’t think it will be a surprise to anyone if the tally doesn’t quite add up as it did in London.

    It’s a country of talent though and people with perseverance and commitment and that is what is required in terms of planning towards a Games, getting there and doing well. I think there’ll be good performances and people to get behind. I think it will be good for Great Britain.

    Who do you think will be the standout stars to watch out for, apart from yourself of course?

    Mo (Farah) obviously. Katrina Johnson Thompson is doing really well. I’d like to see Jess (Ennis-Hill) get back there. I don’t see why she can’t. Some of the sprinters are doing really well.

    Last year they had a great season in terms of the Commonwealths and European Championships. I’d like to see Martin Rooney do really well. I’m hopeful about that. There’s a few.

    In terms of high jump, hopefully we’ll see you there, but is it in good hands?

    There’s obviously Robbie (Grabarz) who won the bronze in London. He’s a big talent. There’s a kid coming through who’s good, Chris Kandu – it’s all in the name. He’s never in any doubt whether he can clear the bar, which I like. He’s got a ‘can do’ attitude.

    What was your career highlight?

    Being an Olympian. Getting there and doing all right. In terms of medals, the Commonwealth silver medal was good. That was at the start of my career so that was pleasing.

    When I was a junior there was a competition at Cleckheaton. I got 2.15m and got best performance of the weekend. I was on the podium and I got awarded a sword. The Seb Coe Sword so I got to keep a sword for a year. My mates came round to my house and I’d take it out of the plaque and wield it around it. That was pretty sweet when I had my sword. Alas, I had to give it back. I should have made a replica.

    Was it always a dream as a child to be an athlete?

    Yeah. It was always something I enjoyed. I dreamed of being an Olympian, to compete, and to travel. So I’ve managed to do that. It’s all been worthwhile.

    For any kid at the Dubai academy or any youngster keen on a career in sport, what advice would you give them?

    I would say to them do what you enjoy and if you enjoy it and are passionate about it find a way to make it happen. Think it out and be ruthless in making sure you can get everything you can from what the sport provides.

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