Tyrone junior Erika Voyzey has been making quite the name for herself in the world of track and field. Last year she won a PIAA gold medal in high jump as a sophomore.

And on Saturday afternoon on January 24th, Voyzey added yet another accomplishment to her ever expanding resume, breaking a 10 year old meet record with a jump of 5’8 at the Kevin Dare High School Invitational at Penn State University (click this link for a video interview with Erika from the meet).

“The Kevin Dare Invitational was very interesting. It was created in honor of Kevin Dare and his tragic pole-vaulting accident, so it was definitely a very powerful experience,” Voyzey explained.

Voyzey defeated 35 of the best high jumpers in the mid-Atlantic. For all you who aren’t track-buffs, invitationals aren’t your regular run-by-the-mill contests. At an invitational as prestigious as the Kevin Dare, there aren’t any chumps or free-loaders jumping the bar.

The high school girls world record for high jump is a staggering 6’4 set by four time US Olympian Amy Acuff in 1993. While Voyzey still eight inches short of that, she is optimistic about things to come.

“My biggest goal for this year is to just have fun. But on top of that, I want to achieve 5’10,” Voyzey said.

Keep in mind that Erika is only a junior. If she achieves her goal this year, then she is well on her way to jump six feet. That’s like further than I can run. But again, these are only short term goals. Voyzey seems to have her head on straight for her long-term goals as well.

“I definitely want to compete at the college level, but more importantly, I want a good education. When I am old and wrinkled and I can’t jump anymore, I still need to be able to support myself,” said Voyzey.

Voyzey truly has a shot at competing in the Olympics someday as well. While it is true that once Erika gets to the higher levels she may be a big fish in an even bigger pond, if she continues to have a hard work ethic, she could make a splash internationally as well.

“Competing in the Olympics someday would be amazing, but my top priorities are furthering myself in my education and as a person. I want to be the best person that I can be and fulfill my potential in other ways before I worry too much about athletics,” Voyzey said.

Erika Voyzey: remember the name.

Actually, scratch that, don’t bother. You’ll be hearing a lot more about her from us as she continues to amaze in the next two years.