Defying Gravity | Izobelle Louison-Roe Eyes High Jump Gold

Eleanor Patterson, Nicola Olyslagers, Brandon Starc and Joel Baden. There’s not a doubt in anyone’s mind that the quality of Australian high jump is only skyrocketing. And right behind the stars of our sport is the next generation, ready to defy gravity.

Amongst the talent lies Izobelle Louison-Roe who stands out as an athlete to watch. With fierce determination and skills that come close to the world’s best, the talented teen is poised to take on today’s Under 18 final by storm. 

At the youthful age of 15, Louison-Roe is wise beyond her years, boldly putting her hand up to compete against a field two age groups above her in an attempt to make the Commonwealth Youth Games. An intimidating move for most, the Kirrawee High Schooler takes it in her stride, self-assured with a steady season of achievements behind her. 

“I’m really excited and I’m really motivated to win. This year has been pretty good for me. I haven’t really had a chance to take it all in yet because I’ve just been going from comp to comp, but after nationals, I’ll probably go back and be like, ‘woah!’” Louison-Roe said. 

Humble in nature, Louison-Roe talks down the standard she’s set for her peers. After soaring to a sensational 1.82m at the NSW Junior Championships, the 15-year-old scored an invitation to the Chemist Warehouse Sydney Track Classic, where to her delight, she jumped to new heights of 1.84m en route to second-place behind her idol, Olympic silver medallist Nicola Olyslagers. 

“I really look up to Nicola, and Eleanor too. It’s amazing to be around athletes like them and I hope I can get to their level. I met Nicola at Sydney and it was amazing. I actually don’t get that nervous for any comp, but I definitely didn’t then because it just felt like I got VIP seats to see her action.” Louison-Roe said. 

Coached by her mother Karen, a former high jumper and supported in the crowd by her triple jumping brothers Mahley and Jay, Louison-Roe is eager to take national bragging heights to solidify her campaign for the Commonwealth Youth Games in August.

Having met the qualifying standards for Trinidad and Tobago four times this season, Louison-Roe is in good stead for one of the 17 spots on the team. Today she will be challenged by World Athletics Under 20 Championships representative, Toby Stolberg who at only 16-years-old has sailed over 1.80m six times and will be looking to raise the bar up from her personal best of 1.82m.

“The goal is to win and to PB as well, and it would mean everything to me if that happens. I’m also chasing the Commonwealth Youth Games opportunity as much as I can, but I know I’ll be up against Toby (Stolberg) who always jumps so well.”

Although she has the long jump in sight, the young gun also has gold on her mind in the Under 18 100m Hurdles, Triple Jump and Long Jump. 

“It’ll be good. I’ll use the hurdles as the warm up, and I’ll be ready to go. I’ve been watching some other events here this week and watching my brother in the Triple Jump. It’s just making me want to get out there and do it.”

Catch the Women’s Under 18 High Jump live at Queensland Sports and Athletics Stadium at 9.30am today AEST.

By Sascha Ryner, Athletics Australia
Posted: 16/4/2022