ATHLETICS: Despite falling agonisingly short of claiming a 30-year record, Warwick High's Justyn Rogers claimed gold at the Darling Downs Regional Championships yesterday.

Rogers equalled his personal best of 1.90 metres on his second attempt to continue his surge on to the state championships.

After narrowly clipping the bar on his first leap, Rogers said he was able to make the necessary adjustments to tie his best mark.

"I was feeling pretty good coming into the event," Rogers said.

"On my second jump I was able to get more speed and really drive upwards."

The clearance assured Rogers of gold, with his sights now set on breaking the 1.97 metre record set by Rodney Franks in 1987.

Whilst he wasn't able to overcome the daunting jump, Rogers said it was worth the attempt.

"I tried to keep an eye on my key techniques throughout the jump, and not change anything," he said.

"You just have to maintain focus as much as possible.

"My coach has been a big part of helping me to get here.

"She really makes me train hard, as well as helping and encouraging me."

The victory was more than enough for Rogers to qualify for the state championships, where he also hopes to represent Darling Downs in long jump, triple jump and the 100 metre sprint.

Warwick schools led the way in the 14 girls long jump event, claiming the top two spots on the podium.

Ruby King from Scots PGC claimed top spot, with Warwick High's Ashlee Higgins claiming the silver medal.

Full results will be published appear on the Daily News next week.