Career’s Dyshon Vaughn (center) stands at the podium as a national long jump champion after winning the event with a state-record leap of 24 feet, 5.5 inches Saturday, March 10 at the Armory in New York City. (Photo via New Haven Athletics)
This time a year ago, Career’s Dyshon Vaughn was a basketball player. On Saturday, he became a national champion in indoor track and field.
Vaughn, who came out of nowhere to win the SCC, Class S, State Open and New England championships, added one last medal and crown to his sterling resume.
On his final jump of the day at Saturday’s New Balance National Championships at The Armory in New York City, Vaughn set a Connecticut state record with a leap of 24 feet, 5 1/2 inches (7.45 meters) to tie Cicero, NY’s Jeremiah Willis for first place.
Though the two were also tied on the first tiebreaker with jumps of 7.11 meters, Vaughn was awarded the national title with a third-best leap of 7.10 meters against Willis’ 6.68.
“It means a lot. I’m really proud,” Vaughn told RunnerSpace.com. “It was a hard-fought battle. There were some good guys out there.
“My other jumps, I felt like they were a little short but on my last jump I got a lot of height. … I knew it was a good one. I was really excited because I knew my previous jumps were pretty good. It was surprising because they had to go to even our third-best jumps because the second jumps were also tied. It was interesting. ”
Vaughn told Runnerspace he wasn’t expecting a national championship coming into the meet. After all, this was just his first full competitive year as a long jumper.
“I least just wanted to get a good jump and get a (personal record). …I wasn’t really expecting it,” he said. “This changes everything, I’m thinking about track, like, that’s my whole mindset. …It makes you want to strive even to become an outdoor national champion.”
But first thing’s first.
“First thing I want to do is call my grandmother,” he told RunnerSpace. “I haven’t had a chance to call her yet. She’s been supporting me a lot, and I appreciate everything she’s done for me. She’s going be be really excited. I hope she doesn’t have a heart attack.”
WATCH: Career’s Dyshon Vaughn talks about his long jump national championship
Dyshon is a profile in courage. His grandmother, coaches, and family should be commended for supporting him throughout his young life. His mother, Lakeia Vaughn is smiling in heaven. He lost her when he was only two years old but continues to make her proud by his great character and talent. I pray that God will continue to smile on him.
I had the pleasure of coaching this young man for two years in basketball and I am glad he found his niche in Track and Field. Keep up the good work Dyshon and do the same thing in Outdoor track. I know this is unprecendented but I hope he he is rewarded with a ring to signify his hard work and perserverance!!