by Alfonz Juck
From 2011 to 2019, Christian Taylor won five of the six World Championship titles in the triple jump. In 2012 and 2016, Christian Taylor took gold in two Olympics. On August 27, 2015, Christian Taylor leaped 18.21 meters, a jump that is only behind Jonathan Edward’s amazing TJs from 1995.
My favorite competition was in 2014-2015 when Christian Taylor and Pedro Pichardo were embroiled in the emotional battle of their careers, which I believe happened in Lausanne. Taylor, who had just cleared an 18-meter jump after Pichardo’s 18-meter jump, Pichardo bumped into Taylor on purpose on the runway. You could see Taylor get pumped up and proceed with the next jump. It was one of those moments in time I will never forget.
In 2021, Christian Taylor ruptured his Achilles and has spent the last four years battling back. The finest triple jumper in US history is retiring. Christian Taylor has always been a gracious interviewee and cheerleader for the event. I am embedding a wonderful interview with Christian at the end of the EME News story.
I will miss Christian very much. He was and is a unique athlete. We know that we will see Christian in the future.
GAINESVILLE (USA): On Friday, Athing Mu will appear in her first race after heartbreaking US Trials in the 800m against Addison Wiley at the Holloway Pro Classic (WACT Silver). Erriyon Knighton will test his pre-Olympic shape in the 200m against surprising Jamaica’s champion Bryan Levell. Keni Harrison, Tobi Amusan, and Cindy Sember will clash in the 100m hurdles. Olympic preparation testing also for triple jumpers Keturah Orji and Jasmine Moore and the 400m teenage sensation Quincy Wilson and Bryce Deadmon (both selected for the US relay squad). Other interesting participants include Trayvon Bromell and Joseph Fahnbulleh in the 100m, in-shape Josh Hoey against Clayton Murphy in the 800m, Dalilah Muhammad in the 400m hurdles, and Olympic heptathlete Anna Hall competing in the long jump and 200m. Christian Taylor’s farewell competition will also show Olympians Russell Robinson and Donald Scott.
Here’s Socialing the Distance with Christian Taylor from July 2020:
Socialing The Distance featuring Christian Taylor (Full Episode)
