Mike Powell gives tips to youngsters on style of jumping

This was part of the three day visit of Mike Powell to the city as part of TSK 25K on December 17 to promote the culture of running and fitness.

Powell spent almost sixty minutes with 25 odd aspiring long jumpers giving them tips after their jumps.

Sometimes he went up to the take-off board and showed the position in which the upper body and knee should be while taking off while at times he showed how to run in the lead up to the jump or how to spread the body to create the perfect aerodynamics to remain in air longer.

Bhairavi Das and Ramdev Tigga were praised by the legend for their fluid movements and take offs but they were given tips to further hone their skills.

“Have you ever seen an aeroplane with its nos dipping. Be an aeroplane. Run as fast as you can and then take of  lightly like a plane does, with the eye on the horizon. Never look down. Look up and beyond the horizon. This is the best way to jump,” said Mike Powell to the aspirants.

Bhairavi das later said: “It was a great moment to be coached by Powell. He is our idol. He taught us simple things. Things we tend to ignore and that is great. I wish I had a coach like him.”

“I am truly mesmerized. He is such a great man with so much knowledge. He has changed the way I used to think about the jump,” said Ramdev Tigga.