In the world of track, being the hunted instead of the hunter is challenging, but it also has its perks.

Natchez High senior track standout Ke’Airra Jones has not lost an event in three years competing in the high jump. Jones said she likes being at the top, but she said being the one to catch makes her work harder.

“You have to work twice as hard when you have already won a title,” she said. I’ve worked hard for five years and it is finally paying off.”

At 5 foot, 3 and a half inches tall, Jones said her height shocks most people competing in the event.

“There is a lot of competition, but it is fun and I love it,” she said.

Her shorter stature has also not stopped her from running the floor for the Natchez Lady Bulldogs basketball team. She says she plans to try and play basketball in college, along with running track, while also majoring in pre-dentistry.

“I always wanted to be a dentist,” Jones said. “It’s something I’ve found kind of fun.”

She said the hardest part about maintaining her top spot is staying in shape. She said she must maintain her weight.

“I don’t eat before competing,” Jones said. “But a lot of people do.”

Instead, Jones said she prefers to sit and get into the zone at the meet.

One of Jones’ biggest motivators has been her grandmother Annie Jackson.

“She always pushes me, and when I win, I always give her the T-shirts I win,” Jones said. “She loves those T-shirts.”

“She is one of the best ones I’ve ever had. She truly will be missed,” Natchez High head track coach Larry Wesley.

When Jones is not on the track or basketball court, or in a class room, she said she enjoys reading Harry Potter and hanging out with friends.

“I like watching Animal Planet on TV,” she said. “I like watching stuff people normally wouldn’t watch.”