Newham’s Jonathan Broom-Edwards equalled the world record but still had to settle for second in Swansea

It’s not often you can equal a world record and not win your event, but high jumper Jonathan Broom-Edwards vows to get one over on his Polish rival Maciej Lepiato next season after losing out so narrowly in Swansea.

The pair locked horns in the T44 classification at the IPC Athletics European Championships, where the bumper crowd witnessed history not once, but three times.

After three successful completions both athletes cleared 2.15 metres, beating Lepiato’s previous world record by two centimetres.

And the Pole went on to clear 2.17 metres at his first attempt, which proved a step too far for Broom-Edwards, but the Newham & Essex Beagles star insists the result will be the other way around in the coming years.

“He said I surprised him, so I’ll have to train harder, lift heavier and come back leaner for next year,” said Broom-Edwards. “I’ve got to be number one, so that’s going to push me to be better than him in the future.

“Maciej is a lovely guy but it’s a great rivalry and I’m just going to really bring it to him over the next few events.”

Loughborough University graduate Broom-Edwards is used to setting his sights high, having graduated with a degree in Aeronautical Engineering and is now hoping to propel his athletics career to new levels.

And with Sainsbury’s supporting the British Paralympic Association through to the Rio 2016 Games, Broom-Edwards knows his best years are still ahead.

The 26-year-old now has his sights set on beating the personal best jump of his coach Fayazz Ahmed, which stands at 2.21 metres and insists his career wouldn’t have progressed so fast without his coach’s support.

“He’s a fantastic coach and I know he’s pushing me in the right direction,” Broom-Edwards continued. “I’m really looking forward to working with him more and also with Grant Brown, a young coach who has helped me when Fayazz hasn’t been there.

“It’s such an honour to be with such a great team here in Swansea and I can’t wait for my next chance to pull on the British jersey.

“I know that Maciej can jump higher, so to push him in these competitions feels really good and he’ll be worried for next year.”

*Sainsbury’s is proud to support British Athletics through the Summer Series events and is committed to helping young people lead healthier, more active lifestyles. For more information visit www.sainsburys.co.uk/legacy