Triple Jump

Triple jump is a track and field sport in which the competitor runs down the track and performs a hop, bound and jump into a sand pit. The goal of this event is to jump the furthest into the sand pit. The current world record is held by Olympian Jonathan Edwards of Great Britain with a jump of 18.29 meters (60 feet).

Approach Phase:

The approach run is a full sprint down the track towards the pit that can be maintained throughout the hop, step, and jump phases. This phase is crucial because all the strength and balance of the ensuing phases depends on this approach.

First Phase (Hop): In this first phase, when you jump off the board, throw up your jumping knee (either left or right depending on which one feels more comfortable) and cycle it forward while keeping your thigh parallel to the ground. Your opposite foot should be pulled up behind you while doing this. Make sure to land with your foot even to maintain your speed and to keep your momentum going forward.

Second Phase (Step): Many triple jumpers tend to struggle in this second phase which causes their overall distance to be way off then what it could potentially be. The form of this second phase is somewhat similar to the first phase. In this second phase however, after coming off your first phase, throw up the jumping knee (opposite of the first leg you used in the first phase) and your opposite knee back. You should keep your knee up almost like your skipping but it's actually more like a bound. Remember to land with your foot flat to maintain your momentum and speed.

Third Phase (Jump):

This final phase is almost like a long jump where you use everything you have left in yourself to jump as far as possible. Make sure to bring your feet forward and to lean forward to maximize your distance.

Overall, triple jump is a very technical and difficult track and field event. However, one of the things most enjoyable about this event is that you can always improve on something. Wether it may be your your speed in your approach phase or your last phase, you can always get better. This is my favorite event to compete in because it requires lots of time and training and I know I can always improve no matter how bad or how well I do.