Men's World Record Jump

The world record Triple Jump was set by Jonathan Edwards, of the United Kingdom, in 1995. He jump measured at 18.29 meters, that is equivalent to 60.01 feet. His is known for his "strong Christian beliefs", and initally refused to compete on Sundays. To watch his world record jump go to http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hAC1qLiJSA8

Jump (third) Phase of the Triple Jump

The third and final phase of the Triple Jump is a long jump. The take-off leg (the drive leg in the previous phases) is extended forcefully upon contact with the ground. With the free-leg thigh driving to the waist level again. The arms drive forward and up, and block momentarily when the hands reach face level. The torso should be held erect with the chin up and eyes looking beyond the pit. Once in the air, the legs move into a hang position with both thighs directly below the torso, legs bent at the knees to an angle of 90 degrees or less. The arms are extended overhead to slow rotation with the hands reaching for the sky. This position is held through mid-flight. The arms then drive forward, down, and back as the legs, simultaneously, swing forward and the thighs rise parallel to the ground. The knees remain bent to take advantage of a shorter lever. When the thighs reach parallel the legs extend rapidly with the ankles flexed and toes pointing up. The athlete holds this position until his heels hit the sand. As the knees collapse, the hips rise and the athlete slides through the sand. The butt has to get dirty for the best results.

Step (second) Phase of the Triple Jump

The second(step) phase of the triple jump begins as the take-off foot returns to the ground. The take-off leg is fully extended with the drive leg thigh just below parallel to the ground. As the athlete leaves the ground, the take-off leg stays extended behind the center of gravity with the calf held approximately parallel to the ground through mid-flight. At the same time, the opposite leg drives to waist level where it remains through mid-flight of the Step phase. The angle of the knee joint should be no greater than 90 degrees. As the athlete begins to descend, the drive leg extends with a flexed ankle and snaps downward for a quick transition into the third phase. During the Step phase, the athlete is concentrating on riding the step as long as possible. This is usually the weakest of the Triple Jump phases and requires the most practice and coaching.

Hop (first) phase of the Triple Jump

The hop (first) phase of the triple jump begins with the athlete running off the board. The athlete should be thinking out and up as they leave the board. The take-off leg is fully extended for a complete push off the ground and the drive leg thigh should be nearly parallel to the ground at take-off, with the knee joint at approximately a 45 degree angle, and the foot relaxed. The foot of the take-off leg will be pulled to the buttocks. The drive leg will them begin to rotate from in front of the center of gravity to behind it, while the take-off leg begins to pull forward. As the thigh of the take-off leg reaches parallel, the lower portion of the leg extends past the knee, with the foot dorsi flexed. Once the leg is extended, the athlete then forcefully drives the entire leg downwards, setting himself up for an active landing. Flexibility is critical here; the greater the angle of extension during flight, the more "AIR" time and greater the Hop.

Video of the Triple Jump

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X6NKWhEl_V0

What is the Triple Jump?

The triple jump is an event in the sport of Track & Field. It is traditionally known as the "hop, step, and jump". The triple jump has been a part of the Olympic Game since 1886.
The jumper is required to jump behind a line, if that line is crossed, the jump does not count. "The first landing has to be done with the takeoff foot. The next phase is a step, landing on the opposite foot, and is followed by the jump, into a sand-filled box, as in the long jump". The Triple Jump requires speed, strength, technique, power, rhythm, balance, flexibility, concentration, and body awareness.