What is Triple Jump?

What is the Triple Jump?

The triple jump is one of the many track and field events that have had a place at competitions for years. However, the triple jump has continually evolved over the last century of its existence. The triple jump is believed to have originated from the child’s game of hopscotch thousands of years ago. Over the years it has changed to become the event we know today as the triple jump. In this event, the competitor must do a hop, skip, and jump in order to get the farthest distance. A hop is described as jumping off one foot and landing on that same foot. A skip is described as jumping one foot and landing on the other. A jump is defined as jumping off both feet and landing on both.

How does the Triple Jump work?

Normally, the competitor is given a running start leading up to the hop, skip, and jump. However, a standing triple jump existed at the Olympics in the early 1900s. There is also a takeoff board at the end of the runway in order to give jumpers their best possible jump.

Physics is extremely important in mastering the triple jump, more so than just about any other track and field event. This is because symmetry and how the body is able to balance itself plays a role in how much height and the distance you can achieve. Competitors who can understand and master these physics can go on to dominate this event.