On a recent episode of David Letterman‘s talk show, a group of talented U.S. Olympic high jumpers took to the streets of New York City to showcase their incredible skills. The location may have been unorthodox, but the athletes were ready to wow the crowd with their gravity-defying jumps.
First up was Sharon Day from Costa Mesa, California, who had recently competed in the Beijing Olympics as part of the United States Olympic track and field team. Day, who had been high jumping since seventh grade, shared her passion for the sport, calling it the “purest athletic accomplishment” in track and field.
Letterman was in awe as he learned about Day’s personal best jump of 1.95 meters, seven and three-quarters inches taller than his own height. Day also revealed that her best effort in Beijing was 1.85 meters, around six feet and one inch. Impressed by her abilities, Letterman eagerly awaited her attempt to clear a height of 5 feet 10 inches, which she effortlessly achieved.
The talk show host was curious about the mental and physical preparation that goes into high jumping. Day explained that her leaning back technique was a combination of both mental and physical preparation. Letterman jokingly admitted that if he were to lean that far back, he would collapse and die.
Next, Dusty Jonas from Leria, Texas, a high jumper from the University of Nebraska, took center stage. Jonas, who had been high jumping since he was nine years old, jumped an impressive 7 feet 2 inches, a full foot taller than Letterman’s height. Jonas aimed to surpass his Olympic best by attempting a height of 7 feet 4 inches.
With the excitement building, Jonas took his leap and cleared the bar with ease. Letterman rewarded him with a shiny new quarter, showcasing his admiration for the athlete’s skills. The slow-motion replay of Jonas’s jump revealed the grace and precision involved in the sport.
Lastly, Andre Manson from Brenham, Texas, a graduate of the University of Texas, prepared to take on a height of 7 feet 5 inches, the highest of the three jumpers. Manson had jumped 7 feet 4.5 inches in Beijing and holds a personal best of 7 feet 7.75 inches.
If Manson successfully cleared the bar, he would receive a shiny new quarter and a copy of the Late Show book as a token of appreciation. Manson expressed his enjoyment of his time in China, referring to it as a great experience he will never forget.
With a burst of speed, Manson soared over the bar, earning the admiration and applause of the crowd. Letterman congratulated him on his achievement, emphasizing the height he had just cleared.
Overall, the talk show episode provided a thrilling display of high jumping talent, showcasing the dedication and athleticism of these incredible athletes. From Day’s effortless jumps to Jonas’s impressive height clearance and Manson’s record-breaking attempts, it was a truly entertaining segment on David Letterman‘s talk show.
