Spears School of Business

Meet Jacob Fincham-Dukes. He is a 2022 Oklahoma State University MBA graduate and is now an Olympian.

 

He leaped 8.14 meters and earned himself a fifth-place finish in the men’s long jump at the 2024 Paris Olympics. When reflecting on this incredible experience, he described the energy of 80,000 people cheering and how the interactions impacted his performance out on the track.

 

"The most memorable moment for me would be the moment I got out onto the track," Fincham-Dukes said.

 

Fincham-Dukes’ extraordinary journey to the Olympics is even more impressive given his full-time career as a senior associate at ISN.

 

Balancing a demanding career and a professional athletic schedule requires extreme discipline. Fincham-Dukes is up at 5 a.m. and typically doesn’t get home until 7 p.m. He consistently puts in 14 hours of working and training each day to get to where he knows he can be.

 

“I was never going to be satisfied with not making the Olympics because I knew I could do it," Fincham-Dukes said. "It was something that I was never going to not allow myself to do."

 

This relentless pursuit of excellence is the reason he is at the top of his sport.

 

His education at OSU has also been vital to his success. Fincham-Dukes reflected on his experience in the MBA program and explained how the skills and lessons learned helped him with a seamless transition into his career at ISN.

 

“They're really preparing you for a work dynamic," Fincham-Dukes said.

 

Pursuing his Master of Business Administration while being a long jumper on the OSU track team also sharpened his time management skills, which translated into his success as a professional athlete.

 

Looking ahead, Fincham-Dukes has his sights set on the continuation of his career at ISN, the Indoor and Outdoor World Championships and, ultimately, the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.

 

Fincham-Dukes’ story is one of discipline, passion and perseverance on the long jump runway and in the professional world. His journey from OSU to the Olympic stage serves as proof of what can be achieved with hard work, determination and a commitment to excellence in all facets of life.