North Reading High School Junior Breaks Long Jump Record

Junior John Braga broke the school record with a leap of 21-7.75 in the long jump and won the high jump for the track team on April 4 at Masconomet Regional High School.

"Right when I landed I knew that I was very close to the record. Even everybody watching said that I definitely did it," Braga said. "When the long jump official rolled out the measuring tape I was getting more and more excited and when she said the distance I was very happy that I actually did it. Even though that was very far I want to jump even further so the record can last a long time."

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The 17-year-old is 5'11" and practices about six days per week. He works on both jumps and hurdles. 

"I'm always outside working out and jumping around as much as possible," Braga said.

His new goal is to break the high jump record. He says that track is his best sport and really enjoys playing with the kids on his team.

He would like to play track in college, and on a Division 1 team, he said. He is not sure what he wants to study yet, he has only started to think about it. When he is not at school or jumping around, he likes to play basketball with friends, and enjoys speding time outside.