No big surprise in this competition. I predicted that if Idowu was able to get extension on his jumps that he would win this competition. I am disappointed that the jumps were less than stellar. I wish I had the chance to “feel” the runway to see if the runway was the cause of the low level of jumping. Obviously, the wind was still swirling but none of the jumpers had wind so bad that it should have prevented good jumps if the runway was fast. Nonetheless, the competition seemed interesting even though Idowu’s jump was 20cm (about 8 inches), head and shoulders above the rest of the field.
Evora gave it a valiant try but something was missing this year and he had to settle for the silver medal. He was very consistent and his condition seemed fine, as evidence by his best jump arriving on his last jump. It remains to be seen if the Portuguese phenom can come back in two years to win another big victory. Only time will tell on this fluid jumper.
Capello from Cuba finally got his act together in the last round to take the bronze but really did not prove much for the competition. Sands of Bahamas and Girat from Cuba seemed to have off days. I wish I could have talked to these two to get their reaction to the runway and the conditions on the runway. Like so many triple jump competitions there are many factors that can change the outcome of the event. It seems like this one was influenced by the runway.
One last comment about this event, both women and men’s triple jump, I hope that the USATF will take notice of the relatively poor showing, once again, of our triple jump squads and put more resources into building the US team back to its former glory. Emphasis must be placed on coaching to the strength of our jumpers and not to the “cookie cutter” methods of the most recent philosophy on triple jump. Just because Jonathan Edwards did it does not mean our jumpers need to emphasize speed. We have to go back to analyzing the strength of the jumper (bouncer, speedster, or strongman) to determine what type of training formula is good for each athlete. We need to put focus on flexibility and technique rather than speed and brute force. We have the athletes, now we need the methods to win.
Mr. Triple Jump 
December 16, 2009 at 12:42 pm |
Willie,
I agree with your analysis of the strength of the jumper, (bouncer, speedster or strongman) and the training system which best fits these individuals, but at the same time the need to carry as much horizontal speed into and through the jump phase applies to all the types of jumpers you mention. Speed down the runway, through the hop, the 1st active contact, into the step, the 2nd active contact, into and through the jump.
Your 1988 wind-aided 59 footers were a testament to that. You were faster down the runway and your hop to step and step to jump ground contacts were faster than ever before.
So if all types of elite jumpers were work to their strengths plus increase all of their horizontal velocities, they could increase their distances by 11/2 -2 feet. I know, easier said than done, but you have done it, as did Edwards. I look forward to your reply.
Sincerely,
Mike Lariza M50 TJ and College and High School coach
February 10, 2012 at 1:50 am |
Wow, this is very fun to read. Have you ever cdrsioened submitting articles to article directories?