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Amy Acuff's Comeback Is Reaching New Heights

Updated: Wednesday, April 18 2012, 11:26 PM CDT
Nearly two years ago, Olympic high jumper Amy Acuff had her first child, but the former U.S. champion is now taking motherhood in a whole new direction.

In most cases, you should avoid asking a woman her age. However, four-time Olympian Amy Acuff is an exception to that rule.

"It's a badge of honor," says Acuff, who lives in Austin.

At the age of 37, nearly four years removed from her last Olympics, Acuff, is cheating father time.

"After all the work that I put in for some many years, to come back at this age and feel better than ever is a good feeling," says Acuff.

Acuff retired from competitive high jumping in 2009, but while working as a licensed acupuncturist at Performance Healthy Austin, she saw her needle move back towards competition last summer. So with the help of therapy, lots and lots of therapy, Acuff launched her comeback with one goal in mind.

"I want to not only make the Olympic team, but to do well," says Acuff. "In 2004 I got 4th place, so I tell people I got the potato medal."

And she could be going from spud to stud. After winning the Texas Relays earlier this month, Acuff feels like she's taken the necessary steps to win her first Olympic medal.

"The place I'm at now, I'm astonished," said Acuff. "I feel really confident, and I feel like this is a real possibility."Amy Acuff's Comeback Is Reaching New Heights