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Set your goals high because you never know what you can accomplish until you try.
Jeff Skiba
Soaring to new heights seems effortless to Jeff Skiba. Not only has he cleared a record-breaking 6’ 10 3/4” in the high jump event, but he is also the first Paralympic athlete to compete at the U.S. Indoor Championships – U.S. Track & Field able-bodied national championship event.
Jeff has consistently placed first, second or third at every high jump event, the majority of which have been able-bodied meets. Not only does he frequently beat his competitors, but the heights he reaches have matched able-bodied world records, as well.
Who has been the biggest supporter in your career?
"My family has been the biggest supporter. They have come to both Paralympic Games I have competed in and they are always there when I need them."
Who first got you interested in your sport and who influenced you to take up a competitive sport?
"I was always fascinated with the Olympics as I watched them on TV as a young child. It wasn’t until I was 15 that my high school teacher, Brian Wilson, convinced me to try out for the track team and do the high jump."
What has been your best career highlight so far?
"I don’t think I can pin it on one highlight but rather two. Winning the Gold medal in Beijing was amazing. To be the best on that one day in front of 90,000 people was an experience I will never forget. Also, being the first amputee to jump over seven feet was one of my biggest achievements."
Who has been your toughest opponent and why?
"I think my toughest opponent has been myself. I always believed that I had the talent and if I’m at my best I can beat anyone in the world."
What is your ultimate sporting ambition?
"I already achieved so many of my goals. I just want to go out and try to maximize my potential and attempt to win another gold medal."
Who in your opinion is the greatest athlete ever? / Do you have an idol for your sport?
"I think the greatest athlete ever is Michael Jordan. He was so athletic and probably could have been world class in almost any sport he wanted to. Also, he had a work ethic that was second to none. He put out the max effort every time. I like to pattern myself after trying to have a work ethic like his."
What are your favorite Össur products and why?
"I love the new Re-Flex Shock. It has all the great performance aspects as the VSP but in a much more appealing look. It is easily adjustable and can be used for anything from walking to world class level track and field. I also really like the cheetah foot. For running it is great. I am getting a Cheetah extreme soon and am looking forward to running on it."
What specific support has Össur provided for you, technical or otherwise?
"Össur has provided me with cutting edge products for the last ten years. The staff members are always helpful and friendly and do whatever they can to help make us athletes the best we can be."
How has Össur contributed to your success?
"Össur has given me products that allow me to maximize my potential. The staff at Ossur is always willing to try new things in order to help me get better."
Do you have an inspirational quote or motto that you use?
"Set your goals high because you never know what you can accomplish until you try."
What is the best advice you have ever been given?
"I had a former coach tell me, “It’s not what you do once every four years at the Paralympic Games, but it’s rather the work you put in every day in preparing for that one defining moment at the games.”"
Do you have any pre-event superstitions?
"Not really. I don’t consider myself superstitious."
Who would play you in a film of your life?
"I would probably have to say Tom Hanks. He is definitely one of the greatest and most versatile actors of all time. Maybe Jason Statham."
What is on your iPod when you are training?
"Anything with a good beat. Listen to everything except country. Black Eyed Peas, Pitbull and Taio Cruz are just a few. "
Tell us something we'd be surprised to know about you?
" I love playing ping pong. I was once in a competitive ping pong league."
What is the worst part of your training regime?
"There’s no specific part that is the worst or best. It gets tough staying motivated for four years but you just have to keep reminding yourself of what your goal is."
If you weren't an athlete what would you be doing?
"Well about two years ago I became a Police Officer with the San Diego Police Department. I just want to do something where I can be out of an office working with people."
What do you like doing outside of your sport?
"I like going to the beach or just spending time with friends and family. I enjoy doing things outdoors."
When you have time to see your friends, what do you like to do?
"I’m down for pretty much anything including going out to the clubs or just hanging out. As long as it’s with good company I’m game."
| Fact | Description |
|---|---|
| Nationality | USA |
| DOB | April 28, 1984 |
| Amputation | Below the Knee |
| Competitive Class | T44 / F44 |
| Main Events | 100m, 200m, High Jump & Long Jump |
| Competetive Highlights | (See below) |
| Products | Flex-Foot Cheetah®, Flex-Run™, Modular III™ & Vari-Flex® |
Born without a fibula in his left leg due to fibular hemimelia, doctors amputated his leg below the knee when he was less than a year old.
Jeff’s congenital defect hasn’t prevented him from great achievements. In the sixth grade, Jeff tried out for track on his first day at school and so began his athletic career. In high school Jeff joined the track team. At his first meet, he cleared 6’2” in the high jump event.
Jeff has consistently placed first, second or third at every high jump event, the majority of which have been able-bodied meets. Not only does he frequently beat his competitors, but the heights he reaches have matched able-bodied world records, as well.
“My goal has always been to be the best, not just the best amputee. I work harder to be better than everyone else… including the able-bodied. My multistep process includes training on the track - sprint and conditioning – and also working with sport psychologists and nutritionists. Without everything in place, I am not going to be the best. You don’t just want to work on the physical side. You have to put everything together to maximize your potential,” said Jeff.
His biggest surprise, since becoming professional, is how technical the training and competing are, and how much goes into planning. “It’s a full time job just to be at this level,” he added.
Personal determination and support from others can only take you so far when you are an amputee. The other part of the equation is state-of-the-art prosthetics. Jeff wears the Flex-Foot Cheetah® & the Flex-Run™ for the sprinting track distances and long jump events. Jeff also wears the Flex-Foot® Vari-Flex® from Össur for several activities, including the high jump event, basketball, and everyday mobility. To break his own world record (2.10m) in the F44 high jump event at the Paralympic Championships in Marietta, GA, Jeff wore the Flex-Foot Modular III™ from Össur, an extremely lightweight and durable, energy storage and release prosthesis.
Jeff continues to train at the Training Center in Chula Vista, CA.
| Year | Highlights |
|---|---|
2011 |
IPC Athletics World Championships, New Zealand |
2008 |
Paralympics, Beijing: - Bronze medal – Pentathlon (1:01:29) - Gold medal and new world record – High jump (2.11m). - Became the first amputee to clear seven feet with a 2.15m (7'1/2") jump. |