Cole Zielinski Shatters Wisconsin State Long Jump Record at Track and Field Championships

Waukesha West High School junior Cole Zielinski set a new Wisconsin state long jump record with a leap of 24 feet 5 inches at the state track and field championships in La Crosse, according to the Wisconsin Interscholastic Athletic Association (WIAA).

How Did Cole Zielinski Achieve the Record?

Zielinski’s record-breaking jump occurred during the Class A boys’ long jump finals on Friday, surpassing the previous mark of 24 feet 0.5 inches set by Jake Winkler in 2019. The jump was certified by WIAA officials, who confirmed the distance met the requirements for a state record. Zielinski, a junior, achieved the feat during his third and final attempt, with the wind assistance measured at 1.8 meters per second, within the legal limit for record consideration.

What Is the Significance of This Record?

The new record represents a 6.5-inch improvement over the previous standard, marking one of the largest single-season jumps in Wisconsin high school history. The WIAA noted that Zielinski’s performance places him among the top long jumpers in the state’s Class A division, which includes schools with fewer than 1,000 students. His achievement also qualifies him for the 2024 Nike Outdoor National Championships, pending final eligibility checks.

How Does This Compare to Previous Records?

Zielinski’s leap of 24-5 surpasses the 24-0.5 mark held by Winkler since 2019. The previous record was set at the same La Crosse venue, making Zielinski’s performance a direct comparison to the historic jump. According to WIAA data, no athlete in Class A has exceeded 24 feet since 2015, highlighting the rarity of such a feat. Zielinski’s jump also ranks among the top 10 all-time in Wisconsin high school track history, according to a 2023 analysis by the Wisconsin Track and Field Coaches Association.

What’s Next for Cole Zielinski?

Zielinski has already been contacted by several NCAA Division I track programs, including Wisconsin and Michigan, according to WISN 12 News. His coach, Mark Thompson, described the jump as “a culmination of years of hard work and precise technique.” Zielinski plans to compete in the 2024 state meet as a senior, with aspirations to break the all-time Wisconsin high school long jump record of 25 feet 2 inches, set by Mike Smith in 1997.