Raising the Bar Out high-jumper Inika McPherson of Houston eyes Olympic gold. By Joanna O’Leary Photo by Matt Dunham
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nika McPherson sets her sights high, literally. The openly gay Olympic high-jumper, Port Arthur native, and current Houston resident is laser-focused on becoming the best— ever—in her sport. Although athletic achievement came early and easily for the ultra-talented McPherson (a Texas state champion as a freshman in high school), maintaining that level of success has at times been more difficult. McPherson, now 31, captured the U.S. indoor track and field championship in both 2013 and 2014, as well as the U.S. outdoor championship in 2014. However, her struggle with depression led her to self-medicate with drugs at one point. In 2014, she tested positive for a banned substance, resulting in a 21-month suspension from international competition. She later finished in a somewhat disappointing tie for 10th place at
the Tokyo Olympics in 2016. But the Inika McPherson of the past is a far cry from the confident, inspiringly intense, and ultra-polite woman with whom I had the privilege of speaking recently about her career, and life beyond track and field. Joanna O’Leary: So, I think readers will find it entertaining to hear how I first came to know you. We met while you were training for the 2016 Olympics at my gym in Houston. I remember thinking, “I cannot believe I am working out in the same space as an Olympic athlete.” After recovering from my fan-girl moment, I learned you were a local. What was it like growing up in Port Arthur? Inika McPherson: [Laughs] You know, it was full of love, but also full of hate. There were ➝
OutSmartMagazine.com | SEPTEMBER 2018 | 61
