As a rising senior, Alex Jackson, also called “Apple Jacks,” steals the show every time he enters the shot-put circle, making him the MVP of BZ. At 6’5″ and 285 pounds, Jackson is an exceptional athlete. Assistant track coach Jay Smith, who oversees throwing, said, “Athletes like this don’t come along in every generation.”
“Everyone in his immediate vicinity, including the other teams, knows he is going to come here and win. Everybody is vying for second place.” Jackson O’ Brien was quoted as saying.
Taking the track and field by storm
Jackson’s track and field career began as a freshman, laying the groundwork for a bright future in sports.
“The best advice I’ve ever received was from some instructors who said that I should take up track because they thought I’d be good at it. My life has been altered by it,” Jackson stated.
Jackson has performed admirably since his freshman year and has been named an All-American every year through his junior year.
He had shattered school records that had been unbroken for more than 50 years and achieved state marks in track and field by the end of his junior year. Jackson now competes for the Peabody Tanners in every throwing event, including the shot-put, discus, javelin, and hammer throw.
Assuming a leadership role off the pitch
Jackson is now unquestionably one of the best shot-putters in the nation after to his incredible performance at the Nike Indoor Nationals, which included a fantastic fifth-place result.
Jackson, who leads his squad as captain, made a triumphant comeback to the main arena at the New Balance Nationals Outdoor in Philadelphia in June. He competed in three events and placed outside the top five in each, but he is motivated to reach new heights with his senior year campaign and is using this setback as fuel.
He aims to represent America in the Olympics one day.