25 Years at the Top: Kelley Bowman’s High Jump Legacy —Show Notes

About the Guests:

• Kelley Bowman is an accomplished former high school, collegiate, and professional athlete known for her remarkable achievements in track and field. As a high school athlete at Berea High School in Kentucky, Kelly set the state record for the girls' high jump in 2000, a record that still stands 25 years later. She continued her athletic journey at the University of Louisville, where she set the school's high jump record. After college, Kelley competed professionally for a year, representing USA Track and Field and being sponsored by Adidas, until injuries led to her early retirement.

• Jesse Stuart is a legendary name in Kentucky high school track and field. As a standout athlete at Glasgow High School, he set the state record for boys' shot put in 1969 with an incredible throw of 67 feet—a record that still stands today. Stuart’s dominance in the sport earned him a place in the Kentucky High School Sports Hall of Fame in 2016.

• Maxine Graham made history in 1975 as a track and field star at Fleming County High School, setting the Kentucky girls’ long jump record with a leap of 20 feet, 4 inches. This mark remains unbroken decades later. Her performance showcased not only her incredible athleticism but also her place among the best jumpers in state history.

Episode Summary:

In this episode of Kentucky Sports Memories, Gary Fogle celebrates the 25-year anniversary of a remarkable track and field record in Kentucky high school athletics. The focus is on Kelley Bowman, a celebrated high jumper whose state record set in 2000 still stands today. This episode uncovers the journey of Kelley Bowman, from her early athletic days in Berea, Kentucky, to her professional career in track and field, providing a portrait of her life and accomplishments.

Throughout the episode, Fogle highlights key milestones in Kelley Bowman's life, including her discovery of high jumping by chance in seventh grade, her record-setting performance at Berea High School, and her subsequent achievements at the University of Louisville. Bowman's record remains unbroken both at the state and collegiate levels, showcasing her extraordinary talent and dedication.

Key Takeaways:

• Long-Standing Record: Kelley Bowman's high jump record, set in 2000 while at Berea High School, still stands after 25 years, marking a significant milestone in Kentucky high school athletics.

• Thrown Into It: Discovering her talent for high jumping by accident in seventh grade, Bowman quickly excelled and dominated the sport throughout her high school career.

• Professional Legacy: Kelley embarked on a professional athletic career, traveling internationally and competing for USA Track and Field with sponsorship from Adidas.

Notable Quotes:

• "I played basketball and soccer. I even played football in seventh grade. The first girl ever at Berea to play football." — Kelley Bowman

• "I was in, I think, seventh grade, and I got thrown in it at a meet because one of the girls wasn't feeling well, and they're like, Kelley, you want to do this?" — Kelley Bowman

• "People knew who I was, and I didn't, you know, think I was, like, famous in any way, but they knew who I was at meets, and I was like, wow." — Kelley Bowman

Join Gary Fogle as he continues to explore the stories behind the events and figures that have left a lasting mark on the world of sports in Kentucky. Listeners are encouraged to explore the full episode for an inspiring and in-depth conversation on the unexpected journey and career of Kelley Bowman!