Jacko's family has a strong background in athletics. His father, Walter, was a two-time national shot put champion, and his mother, Nerida, was a national discus champion. His sister Ayla also represented New Zealand in discus and hammer throw.

Club and Coaching

Jacko is a member of the Takapuna Amateur Athletic and Harrier Club in Auckland. He trains under the guidance of coach Mike Schofield. His dedication to the sport has been evident since his early years.

Achievements and Milestones

Jacko made history by becoming the first male New Zealand athlete to win gold at both the world youth and junior championships. He achieved this feat in shot put at the 2010 World Junior Championships in Moncton, Canada, and the 2011 World Youth Championships in Lille, France.

At just 15 years and 213 days old, Jacko became the youngest male athlete from any nation to win gold at the world junior championships. This victory marked a significant milestone in his career.

Challenges and Injuries

Jacko's career has not been without its challenges. He suffered various injuries, including a groin tear in early 2017 and a foot fracture before the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro. Despite these setbacks, he competed at the Games.

In late 2017, Jacko was diagnosed with myocarditis, causing inflammation of the heart. This condition forced him to take eight months off from training and competition. He described this period as one of the toughest of his career.

Awards and Recognition

In 2011, Jacko received the Emerging Talent Award at the Halberg Awards in New Zealand. This recognition highlighted his potential and dedication to athletics.

Other Sports

Apart from athletics, Jacko was also selected for a New Zealand national age-group basketball team. His versatility as an athlete is evident through his participation in multiple sports.

Inspirations

Jacko idolised Swedish discus thrower Ricky Bruch. He admired Bruch's passion for the sport and their frequent conversations before Bruch's passing in May 2011 left a lasting impact on him.

Future Ambitions

Looking ahead, Jacko aims to win a gold medal at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games. His determination and resilience continue to drive him towards achieving this goal.

Despite facing numerous challenges throughout his career, Jacko Gill remains committed to his sport. His journey from a young boy practicing throws at home to making history on the world stage is a testament to his dedication and passion for athletics.