Tokyo Olympics: Aussie high jumper Brandon Starc forced to relocate as athletes jump COVID vaccine queue

World No. 3 high jumper Brandon Starc has been forced to relocate ahead of the Tokyo Games.

A flurry of school sports carnivals has forced Tokyo-bound Brandon Starc to relocate to the Gold Coast.

The 27-year-old high jumper said the chance to train in a warmer climate and without interruption was the tonic he needed for his Olympic campaign.

“We can’t really get access to a track in the morning here (in Sydney) at the moment. School carnivals are booking up the ovals and training in the evening is not super pleasant,” he said.

“So we thought we’d head up to the Gold Coast. I wasn’t happy with my performance at the recent nationals so I have a few things to work on.”

Brandon Starc has been forced to relocate to the Gold Coast. Source: Getty Images

Despite winning the recent national titles, Starc did not jump the Olympic qualifying height of 2.33m but has automatically qualified for the Games based on his world and national ranking.

“The nationals was a weird one … I warmed up fine … but I wasn’t on point. I think my run-up let me down, and it’s something I need to work on.”

Unlike some athletes who struggled with the uncertainty of the postponed Tokyo Games, Starc - the world number three - said he relished the opportunity of more time at home.

“I was disappointed but I wasn’t shocked when the Games were cancelled. I just tried to think of the positives … I got to spend a winter at home with my wife.

“I got to film this really sick commercial for the yoghurt YoPRO … was so great to see all behind the scenes for that … it just became a matter of keeping myself busy.”

Starc, who is on the Gold Coast for three weeks, is also investigating a potential stint in Europe ahead of Games, a decision he made before the announcement Australia’s athletes would jump the vaccine queue.

World number three Brandon Starc in action for Australia in 2019. Source: Getty Images

The government last week announced all 2050 athletes and support crew will be vaccinated for COVID-19 ahead of the Games.

“It’s still difficult with COVID and varying quarantine requirements but I need to get exposure to some high level competition,” Starc, the younger brother of Aussie cricketer Mitch, said.

“It’s really tough to get that in Australia, let alone in winter while the world is struggling with a pandemic.

“So we’re considering our options going to Europe. As of right now, Diamond League (annual series of elite track and field competitions) are still on.

“If I go, I can’t see us being able to come back to Australia and still be able to train. Quarantine is just so strict here and I don’t think that’s going to change anytime soon.

“So there’s a bit to weigh up.”