Grospe sets Philippines high jump record

CAPAS, Tarlac, Philippines — High jumper Leonard Grospe soared to a Philippine record of 2.23 meters on his first try Friday night in the ICTSI Philippine Athletic Championships presented by the Philippine Sports Commission at the New Clark City Athletic Stadium here.

Just a month after setting a new Philippine and personal standard of 2.22 meters at the same arena, the lanky Grospe did it again with a flourish.

The 33rd Thailand SEA Games bronze medalist raised the bar to 2.25 but could go no further as coach Sean Guevarra, who held the old record of 2.17 meters that stood for 19 years until Grospe broke it in 2024 with a 2.20 jump, watched.