Stephen Mackenzie vowed to learn from his European Championships experience after he was unable to build on his Commonwealth Games momentum. The Ullapool long jumper claimed a brilliant bronze in Glasgow with a leap of 8.08m, enough for Team Scotland’s first-ever men’s long jump medal.
He fell short of replicating that form wearing a Novuna GB & NI vest in Birmingham, with his best jump of 7.85m leaving him 15th in an event which sees only the top 12 make the final.
Disappointment and Determination
“I am disappointed I didn't make the cut there but that's all I had in my legs,” he said. “I'll take this going forward, learn from it and be back better.”
“I took a lot of confidence coming off a bronze medal in Glasgow. I really thought I could leave my mark early in the jumps, but it just wasn't to be. I couldn't really feel my legs out there and that's all I had. It was great to get out there with all these talented jumpers, I really enjoyed the experience and being able to compete in such a high-level competition.”
Qualification Round
Mackenzie spent much of the qualification session inside the top 12 after improving his opening leap of 7.80m by five centimetres second time around. But his fellow competitors soon began to leapfrog him and a final jump of 7.66m left him outside the dotted line.
Despite the outcome, the 24-year-old, who became the British champion on the same Alexander Stadium track in June and set a Scottish record of 8.15m in the process, savoured his latest experience of a home Games.
Home Support and Looking Ahead
“It was amazing,” he said. “It was just like Glasgow there, as soon as they see you, you don't even have to start a clap, they are just clapping for you. That part of it, you just can't ask for any more, really. As a home competitor, it’s just excellent.”
“It has been a pretty positive season overall. I've made some big breakthroughs distance wise and with consistency. It has been a great year, and I am looking forward to getting back into training for next year.”
British Representation in Final
There will be British representation in Tuesday night’s long jump showpiece as Mackenzie’s compatriot Archie Yeo capped his return from injury hell with a place in the final. The Yorkshireman saved his best until last in qualifying, recording a leap of 7.92m with his third and final jump to climb into the top 12.
“I am elated; I can’t quite believe that,” he said. “I love Birmingham, we are normally here for British Champs but that was even better. Hopefully for that final, I’ll send it out a little more.”
“It’s insane to get through. Last August, I dislocated my hip and they thought I wasn’t going to jump again. To be back jumping, to go eight (metres) this season and be in a European final, it is beyond my wildest dreams. I was lost (when celebrating), I didn’t know what was going on. The crowd were happy for me, and it was all cool.”
“I will cool down, get some food, get some sleep. I will keep it basic and simple, nothing too out there, and then let’s send it.”
