ATHLETICS : Triple jump

 Athletics

Triple Jump

The triple jump is a track and field event where athletes perform a hop, a step, and a jump in one continuous sequence to land in a sand-filled pit. It demands a unique blend of speed, power, coordination, and rhythm.

Equipment and Facilities

The equipment and facilities for the triple jump are largely the same as those for the long jump:

1) Runway: A straight track, at least 40 meters long and 1.22 meters (\pm 0.01m) wide, leading to the takeoff board. The surface is typically the same as the running track. White lines mark the boundaries.

2) Take-off Board: A white rectangular board measuring 1.22 meters (\pm 0.01m) long, 0.20 meters (\pm 0.002m) wide, and not more than 0.10 meters deep. It is flush with the runway surface. A foul line is at the edge closest to the landing pit. For the triple jump, there are also foul lines and indicator boards for the hop and step phases, though these are not physical boards like the takeoff board. Officials visually assess the validity of these phases.

3) Landing Area/Pit: A sand-filled pit at least 2.75 meters wide and 6 meters long, with the near edge typically 13 meters (for men) or 11 meters (for women) from the takeoff board. The sand should be level and moist.

4) Measuring Tape: A calibrated tape measure used by officials to accurately measure the distance of each jump, from the foul line to the nearest mark made in the sand by any part of the athlete's body.

5) Officials' Flags: Red and white flags used by officials to signal a foul jump (red) or a valid jump (white).

6) Rake: Used to level the sand in the landing pit after each jump.

Basic Skills and Their Descriptions

The triple jump is characterized by its three distinct phases:

1) The Approach Run: Similar to the long jump, the athlete sprints down the runway to build maximum controllable speed. The length of the approach varies (typically 18-22 strides for men, 14-18 for women). Maintaining speed and a consistent rhythm are crucial for a successful transition into the hop. The athlete needs to be well-balanced and prepared for the impact of the first phase.

2) The Hop: This is the first phase, taken off the takeoff board. The athlete lands on the same foot they took off from. The key is to minimize vertical loss of speed and maintain horizontal momentum for the subsequent phases. The takeoff foot strikes the board, and the athlete propels themselves forward and slightly upward, landing on the same leg. The non-takeoff leg and arms are used for balance and to generate forward movement.

3) The Step: Immediately upon landing from the hop, the athlete pushes off that same landing foot and lands on the opposite foot. This phase continues the forward momentum generated in the hop. The transition from the hop to the step needs to be fluid and powerful. The height achieved in the step is typically lower than in the hop and jump.

4) The Jump: From the landing of the step, the athlete takes off with the second landing foot and lands in the sand pit, using a technique similar to the long jump. This final phase aims to maximize the remaining horizontal velocity and achieve the greatest possible distance. The athlete will often employ a "hang" or "sail" technique in the air, similar to the long jump, to optimize their landing.

5) The Landing: The athlete lands in the sand pit, aiming to have their heels make the first contact as far forward as possible. Similar to the long jump, avoiding a backward fall is crucial for maximizing the measured distance. The athlete should bring their arms forward and extend their legs.

6) Recovery: After landing, the athlete must exit the pit forward of their mark.

Rules and Regulations

The rules for the triple jump are also largely aligned with those of the long jump, with specific considerations for the three phases:

1) One Foot Takeoff for Each Phase: The hop must be performed by taking off on one foot and landing on the same foot. The step is then taken off that landing foot, and the landing is on the opposite foot. The final jump is taken off that second landing foot. Failure to follow this sequence (e.g., landing with both feet in the hop or step) is a foul.

2) No Overstepping the Takeoff Board: Similar to the long jump, no part of the athlete's foot must cross the front edge of the takeoff board.

3) Valid Sequence: The hop, step, and jump must be continuous and follow the correct foot sequence.

4) Measurement: The distance is measured from the front edge of the takeoff board (foul line) to the nearest point of contact made by any part of the athlete's body in the sand pit.

5) Three Attempts: Each athlete is allowed three attempts. The best valid jump is recorded. In case of a tie after three rounds, additional rounds may be held.

6) Order of Jumping: The order of competition is usually determined by lot.

7) Leaving the Pit: Athletes must exit the landing pit forward of their mark.

8) Runway Usage: Athletes must begin their jump from the runway.

Record Holders

As of April 27, 2025:

Men's Outdoor World Record:

 * 18.29 meters (60 ft 0 in)

 * Jonathan Edwards (Great Britain)

 * Gothenburg, Sweden

 * August 7, 1995

Women's Outdoor World Record:

 * 15.50 meters (50 ft 10 ¼ in)

 * Yulimar Rojas (Venezuela)

 * Tokyo, Japan

 * August 1, 2021