Long Jumper

The Dandelion is taking an All Sports class at the YMCA this spring. They started off the first week with a track & field theme. Week 1 was running and hurdles, and this week, Week 2, is jumping and throwing. Of course the running week was a big hit with the Dandelion, but I could not have predicted how much he took to the long jump!

When the teacher explained how the kids were to run up and jump onto the mats, the 3 & 4 year olds sat along the wall and waited for a turn. The first couple of pairs of kids took their turns, but didn't really jump and just ran across the mats. With no one before him actually jumping, I think the teacher was a bit concerned that her long jump idea was going to be a flop. But have no fear, the Dandelion got up for his turn and, when she said go, he did exactly what they were supposed to do. He ran about 8-10 steps, took off from one foot before the mat, flew about 3.5 or 4 feet (to the 3rd color panel) and landed feet first before flopping forwards, just like they do in the Olympics. You would think he'd actually seen it or done it before!

Since I didn't have my camera ready during the original attempts, we took a few pictures after class.

in the air

feet down

forward momentum