If United States Track & Field is looking for able bodies in the high jump, it may want to look to NBA Slam Dunk contest runner-up Aaron Gordon.
There was little doubt that the Orlando Magic star had some major hops, as those were clearly on full display throughout a memorable night. But, we now have confirmation of just how ridiculous those hops truly are.
As ESPN’s Sports Science pointed out on Tuesday, Gordon’s incredible display was rather Olympic-like. In fact, his highest leap of the evening on Saturday put him at 7 feet, 7 inches off the ground — a height that would’ve given him a bronze medal at the 2012 Olympic games.
To be fair, Gordon also had the advantage of using the basketball in the mascot’s hand has a bit of a spring board and getting that kind of air time in the high jump requires a completely different skill set and muscle memory.
Could Rio be in Gordon’s future? Doubtful, but Sports Science once again gives us all food for thought on just how incredible athletes can be.
[h/t ESPN]
