Track and field runs in John Jackson's blood: his mother was an Olympic gold medalist in the 800 mm in 1968 and he was the first athlete at OU to jump over 50 ft. in the triple jump.
Jackson, OU class of 1993 alumnus, graduated with a degree in sociology and communications and a minor in physical education, all while competing for OU’s track and field team.
Since competing for OU, Jackson has trained many high school athletes and was the strength and conditioning coach for the Tulsa Shock, a professional WNBA team and is currently a personal trainer in Tulsa.
“My background was always in athletics,” Jackson said. “A lot of times, as an athlete, you learn so much while coming up, you’re training every single day, your body is worked every day by coaches and athletic trainers, that field and area made me want to help other people, especially athletes.”
Jackson earned his personal trainer certifications after graduating and worked in physical therapy for five years. He is currently acting as a personal trainer for athletes like his sister, who is training for the Olympic trials in June, and others who are just hoping to gain strength and get into shape.
This experience and versatility combined with his degree helps Jackson train his clients both physically and mentally.
Athletes, and people in general, deal with not only physical stress, but also mental and emotional stress. Whether coming back from an injury, major loss or surgery, there is a mental toll to deal with.
Jackson’s personal training practice has expanded from athletes to all kinds of people.
“I deal with people with all kinds of issues. Instead of training someone for a marathon, I could be training a grandmother to walk up some stairs or to be able to pick up her grandchild,” Jackson said.
Jackson’s diverse clientele has helped him over the years in being understanding and excited to go to work each day, to take advantage of new ways to learn and to understand others.
Jackson’s advice to students currently in school are along those lines.
“Take advantage of the experience,” Jackson said. “Being in school is such a great experience. Of course, be responsible, but also enjoy the experience of being around people of other cultures and of the professors and what they can give you.”
Above all else, Jackson gives words of advice similar to those from all of our favorite coaches.
“Give it all you have,” Jackson said. “The transition from college into a responsible adult in this society can be attributed to what you gain from school.”
We’ll try our best, coach.
