Charles Austin has achieved a level of success of which most people can only dream. An Olympic gold medalist, Austin is the American and Olympic high jump record holder, two-time World Champion, and a nine-time national track and field high jump champion. He is the founder and owner of So High Sports and Fitness. Charles has also trained professional athletes including David Robinson, John Starks and Allan Houston. Yet, for this three-time Olympiad, gold medals were a far cry from his humble beginnings.

Raised in Van Vleck, Texas, Austin was the youngest of 10 children. He was a senior in high school without any way to pay for college, when some friends convinced him to try high jumping for the track team.  He cleared six feet on his first try to make the team and finished the year with a personal best of 6' 11".

Austin's success landed him an athletic scholarship at Southwest Texas University (now Texas State University). After a difficult first few years, he climbed the ranks in the NCAA, shattering school records and his senior year, won the NCAA Outdoor Championship and was the number one college high jumper in the country.

When he wasn't in school, Austin competed overseas on the international circuit. He traveled around Europe competing against some of the best high jumpers in the world. With each meet he gained more confidence, conquered more opponents and increased his reputation.

In 1991, Austin graduated with a degree in business administration. Within the year he was the gold medalist at the 1991 World Championship and was a contender to win in the Olympics. However, when he arrived at the 1992 Olympic trials there was speculation on whether or not he should compete, due to a knee injury. He pushed forward, making it on to the U.S. team, but his confidence was shaken and a poor performance cost him a medal.

The trouble continued, forcing Austin to have major surgery and threatening to end his career. He was left to watch from home as his fellow athletes competed in the 1993 World Championship. But while his knee healed, Austin's passion continued to grow. In 1994, he began his journey back to the top of the world high jump ranks. Within a few years, he had regained his strength and was once again performing at a high level.

When he returned to the Olympics in 1996, he did so with a new determination and mental focus. His gold winning jump of 7' 10" was a new Olympic record and still stands today.

Austin lives with his wife and three sons in San Marcos, Texas.

Goal:
Olympic Gold Medalist looking to use his discipline, self-motivation, dedication and knowledge to help create a positive and rewarding lifestyle for others.

Education:
Southwest Texas State University 91'
-Bachelor of Business Administration/Management

Owner of So High Inc.
So High Sports and Fitness Studios & So High Sports and Fitness Performance Center
*Certified Personal Trainer (National Endurance Sports Trainers Association)
*Past Clients: John Starks (NBA), David Robinson (NBA), Jeremy Fikac
(MLB), Allan Houston (NBA), Penny Hardaway (NBA)

Leadership Experience:
2001 Outdoor World Track & Field Championship Team Captain
2001 Indoor World Track & Field Championship Team Captain
2000 Olympic Track & Field Men's Team Captain
1999 Outdoor World Track & Field Championship Team Captain
1999 Indoor World Track & Field Championship Team Captain
1998 World Cup Team Captain
1997 Outdoor World Track & Field Championship Team Captain
1997 Indoor World Track & Field Championship Flag Barrier
Selected by the United States Olympic Committee to present President Clinton with the Presidential Olympic plaque at the White House (1996)

Honor & Achievements:
3-Time Olympian (1992, 1996, 2000)
1998 World Cup Champion
1997 Indoor World Championship High Jump Gold Medalist
1996 Olympic High Jump Gold Medalist
1991 Outdoor World Championship High Jump Gold Medalist
1990 NCAA Outdoor High Jump Champion
6-Time U. S. Outdoor Track & Field High Jump Champion (Consecutive)
3-Time U. S. Indoor Track & Field High Jump Champion
Current American High Jump Record Holder 7' 10 ½" (Set in 1991)
Current Olympic High Jump Record Holder 7' 10" (Set in 1996)
Jumped 22 inches over head (4th highest all-time)
Competitions Over 2.30m (7' 6 ½") - 61
*1st Place (41), Second Place (13), Third Place (4), Fourth Place (1), Fifth Place (2)