FOLDING the netball dress away, Nyah Nyah West United Demons goal shooter Denise Snyder normally has one thing on her mind — setting the bar higher.
Despite being the attacking anchor of her side, the 24-year-old is also a talented high jumper and as her netball season draws to a close, she is aiming for an elusive Commonwealth Games qualifying jump.
The athlete is currently jumping at Eaglehawk Athletics Club in Bendigo but spent her junior days in Swan Hill racking up junior national appearances with a blend of hard work and natural talent.
When Snyder was 17, she qualified to represent Australia at the 2009 World Youth Championships in Italy, getting through grueling jumps through winter at pre-departure competitions, just to get on the plane.
The youngster managed to jump 1.77m three times, a fair jump for such a young athlete.
Her current best is 1.82m, which she jumped a few years ago, and she is looking to bring her personal best up to 1.86m or higher in order to qualify for the 2018 Gold Coast Commonwealth Games.
But her job starts now.
Snyder said all of her hard work would kick off this coming summer as she looks to make the National Championships again in 2017.
“I would love to get into the Games, I just have to work really, really hard and try to get there,” she said.
“Netball season is a bit more relaxed, but I have been training for netball and the gym, but now it is time to focus on athletics.
“So all my hard work will be put in and I will aim for the top I guess.”
Snyder said her sessions go through not just jumping the bar, but also finding the right balance between technique and strength.
She said while she enjoyed both netball and high jump, she didn’t have a favourite as they both benefited her.
“It is good having a break from the other and they are completely different,” she said.
“I love aspects of both of the sports, but the training within the winter helps me keep my fitness up and do some hard work in the gym.
“They work well together and I love them both.”
