A Grade 10 Woodland Christian High School student won gold at this year’s Ontario Federation of School Athletic Associations (OFSAA) high jump competition June 9 and will be heading to nationals later this summer.

The Laurel Creek Track Club's Joel Rumph started high jump when he was just a young kid, dating back to Grade 1. He says getting into the sport at such a young age is advantageous.

"I think the main point it starting in grade one, just getting used to seeing the bar and not being afraid of the bar at a young age is critical, and then obviously training in the club was very helpful," Rumph said.

Chris Timm, Rumph's coach at Laurel Creek Track Club, said from the first time he saw Rumph compete at last year's OFSAA, he could tell the Mapleton resident had tons of potential. Rumph has been training with Timm for about a year hoping to have success at OFSAA. As a coach, Timm said the gold medal moment was very fulfilling.

"I was really happy for him, it's really gratifying because people can sometimes set out to accomplish a goal and it doesn't always happen," Timm said.

"You're off on the day, you get an injury or something like that. To set out for something in October that takes you three-quarters of a year to work towards is a very special moment to have that," he added.

Timm says Rumph's ability to stay calm on a big stage and his understanding of the mental component of sport are both key aspects to his success.

This season was chalk full of accolades for Rumph. He had a Woodland Christian record-breaking 1.95 metre jump to grab first place when he competed up a level in senior boys’ competition.

Rumph will be in Quebec in August for the Canadian Youth National Track and Field Championships.

Listen to the CICW story below: