Regan Corrin – Q&A
A conversation with one of the Isle of Man’s most exciting young athletes.
“Pressure is a privilege.” – Regan Corrin
Progression & Development
Your high jump progression over the past few years has been phenomenal — from 1.70m in 2020 to 2.13m this year. What do you think has been the biggest factor behind that improvement?
I was improving gradually from 2020 to 2023, then in 2023 I moved to Loughborough for training, where I made a big jump from 1.97m to 2.13m in one season. I think the main factor for me was staying consistent with training.
You’ve also broken new ground in the long jump, becoming the first Manx jumper to go over 7 metres. How did that feel?
It felt great to be the first Manx person to hit the 7-metre mark — it was a goal of mine since I started.
You’ve set PBs across sprints and triple jump too — what’s it like managing so many different events, and how do they complement each other?
I find that they complement each other more than anything. All the skills from long jump can be transferred into high jump and vice versa. It also helps to keep things fun and engaging, having so much to focus on and different outlets.
“All the skills from long jump can be transferred into high jump and vice versa.”
Training & Technical Detail
Can you talk us through how you structure your training across high jump, long jump, and sprinting?
I like to keep my training schedule busy. During the competition season, I do two jump sessions for high jump and two for long jump each week. On top of that, I run three times a week, mainly focusing on speed sessions.
What are the key technical focuses for you right now in the high jump — is it approach speed, take-off mechanics, or clearance over the bar?
Right now, my main focus in high jump is making my run-up more consistent and reliable, which is something I’ve struggled with for years.
In long jump, what adjustments do you have to make compared to high jump, both technically and mentally?
My main areas for improvement in both events are getting faster and stronger — that’s crucial for both.
How important has sprint speed been in underpinning your success across the jumps?
My sprint speed is probably the most important factor in my long jump approach.
Do you see yourself specialising more in the future, or do you enjoy keeping a multi-event approach?
I don’t think I’ll ever really specialise. For me, they complement each other so much that specialising would actually prevent progress.
Competition & Experience
You came agonisingly close to a medal at the European U18 Championships in Slovakia — what did you take away from that experience?
I knew I was capable of competing with the best in Europe; I just had to go and prove it. I gained a lot of experience and confidence.
And then to wear the GB vest again, this time in long jump at the Loughborough International — how did that feel, competing at such a high level in another event?
It felt great to wear the GB vest again for another event and to show people I can represent GB in two different events in the same year at a high level.
You’ve also defended your Island Games high jump title, becoming the first Manx athlete to do that since Martin Aram. What does that achievement mean to you?
I got a lot of satisfaction from defending my title. I was 16 when I first won it, so it felt great to come back to the Games and defend my title — twice the athlete I was in 2023.
“It felt great to come back to the Games and defend my title — twice the athlete I was in 2023.”
Mindset & Motivation
You’re still only 18 — how do you handle the pressure of competing against some of the best in the UK and Europe?
I love the pressure that comes with competing at a high level. I think pressure is a privilege.
Do you use mental strategies like visualisation or routines before you compete?
I try not to tie myself down with routines — I back myself under any circumstances. I do think visualisation is important to make sure things go to plan.
What motivates you most when training and competing?
The buzz that comes with winning and progressing helps me stay motivated.
Community & Recognition
This year you received the David Teece Award for Excellence. What does that honour mean to you?
It meant a lot to win the David Teece Award. Winning awards like that makes it worth it — it shows all the hard work doesn’t go unnoticed.
How important has the Isle of Man community — coaches, family, teammates — been in your development?
The Isle of Man community helps a lot, especially with motivation, as you want to work harder for the coaches and family members who sacrifice their time.
You started competing locally at the NSC and then through the Youth Development League — how important were those experiences in your early growth as an athlete?
Competing in the YDL was really important in my development because it gives you an insight into competing in the UK.
What advice would you give to younger athletes here on the Island who look up to you?
Just keep stacking days and enjoy the process. It’s not always an upward trajectory, but stay consistent and eventually it will pay off.
“It’s not always an upward trajectory, but stay consistent and eventually it will pay off.”
Future Goals
What are your targets for the 2026 season?
My main aim for 2026 is to get selected for the Commonwealth Games. I’ve had my eyes set on the Commonwealth Games since 2023. My goal is to qualify and make the final in long jump.
Do you see yourself competing across both jumps and sprints, or focusing on a single discipline?
Definitely both jump events, possibly triple jump as well. In terms of the sprints, I’ll just see how I progress and enjoy the process.
Quick-Fire Round
High jump or long jump? Long jump
Favourite training session? 6 × 150m
Least favourite training session? 8 × 300m
Favourite competition venue so far? Sheffield
Hardest competitor you’ve faced? Joel Clarke-Kahn
Best moment in athletics so far? 4th at the European U18 Championships
Pre-competition meal? Changes every time
One word to describe the feeling when you clear the bar or hit a big jump? Exciting
Anyone to Thank?
I would like to thank IOM Sport, Manx Harriers, Boal & Co, RL360, and Ben Carling for all their contimued support.
