How a school program sparked a historic journey
In a story that sounds like a childhood dream, a Brisbane man’s early embrace of a simple jump rope has evolved into a global athletic revolution. Luke Boon, now 23, first connected with the thrill of jumping rope during the Heart Foundation’s Jump Rope for Heart program in Grade 6. That single school visit planted the seeds for a career that would redefine a sport and inspire millions of Australian kids to lace up for heart health.
Today, Boon boasts a record that many athletes only dream of: 75 World Championship Skipping titles and a growing legacy that includes a 2025 World Championship haul in Japan. His most recent triumphs, earned after returning from Tokyo, add to a trophy cabinet that stands as a monument to consistency, creativity, and heart-driven hard work.
A journey from asthma to endurance athlete
The turning point came at Ormiston College in Queensland back in 2002, when Boon was unable to complete a cross-country lap due to chronic asthma. The Jump Rope for Heart session that day did more than teach a new skill; it opened a doorway to cardiovascular fitness and the exhilaration of chasing personal bests. A school fete later that year sealed the deal as he watched a Cleveland Air Magic Skipping Club performance and realized that skipping could be more than a schoolyard pastime.
“The two experiences came into my life almost side by side and together they ignited a passion for skipping that’s stayed with me ever since,” Boon recalls. He discovered that rope skipping wasn’t just about tricks; it was a portable, endlessly adaptable sport that could travel with him anywhere—from lunch breaks to car parks with his mum in the background.
World records, heart health, and a new ambassador role
With more than two decades of practice, Boon has amassed 20 world records and 75 World Championship titles—the most in the sport’s history. His relentless pursuit of excellence has now transitioned into advocacy. Boon serves as a Jump Rope for Heart Ambassador, emphasizing that skipping is a pathway to healthier hearts, not merely a sport to win medals.
“It’s not just about titles,” Boon says. “The heart is a muscle we need to exercise, and I want to inspire kids to grab a rope and feel the same rush I felt when I started.” His message resonates with families and teachers who see skipping as an accessible, joyful way to promote cardiovascular health from a young age.
Jump Rope for Heart: a movement that reaches millions
Jump Rope for Heart has educated and engaged more than 10 million Australian kids since its 1983 inception. Over 42 years, it has recruited more than 90% of schools nationwide and helped raise over $115 million for heart health research. The program’s impact is measured not only in dollars, but in the lifelong habits it builds—daily activity, teamwork, and a window into how exercise supports a healthy heart.
Heart Foundation Jump Rope for Heart Program Lead Jason Pupkovski notes that Luke’s story is more than a personal triumph; it’s proof of the program’s enduring influence. “From a primary school spark to world champion, Luke’s journey shows the power of commitment and the real-world benefits of the Jump Rope for Heart program.”
Join the movement: Skip for Heart this November
Luke’s latest chapter invites people of all ages to participate in the Heart Foundation’s new Skip for Heart challenge this November. The aim is to raise funds for heart health while encouraging 79 skips every day—honoring the 79 Australians lost to heart disease daily. The initiative culminates in a community-wide push to keep hearts strong through simple, daily acts of fitness.
To register or learn more about the program, visit the official event site and sign up for “Skip Your Way” this November. It’s a chance to follow Luke Boon’s journey, support heart health, and perhaps start your own story of jumping rope toward a healthier heart.
