It’s not often you break two world records in the space of 20 minutes but Jonathan Edwards did just that at the 1995 World Championships in Gothenburg.
In the build-up to those championships, Edwards had added one centimetre to Willie Banks’ 10-year-old world record of 17.97m in Salamanca and looked in imperious form.
In Gothenburg he produced a string of jumps that are still talked about to this day, recording marks of 18.16m and 18.29m, with the latter still standing as the world record.
Edwards’ mark of 18.16m was the third best in history until the recent European Championships, where Spain’s Jordan Alejandro Díaz Fortún – originally of Cuba – jumped 18.18m.
With current Olympic champion Pedro Pichardo having also jumped 18.04m this season, it means the triple jump final in Paris could be one of the events of the entire Games.
Kenny Harrison’s 18.09m from Atlanta 1996 is still the Olympic record but, such is the calibre of competition that talk of the likes of Díaz or Pichardo surpassing Edwards’ 18.29m is in the air.
Ahead of the Olympic triple jump final, we caught up with the 2000 Olympic champion at PUMA House in Paris on whether he thinks his record could be broken and what winning gold in Sydney 24 years ago meant to him.
Could Edwards’ World Record Be Broken?
Edwards believes that his record is not impossible to break, particularly with the emergence of talented jumpers like Jordan Diaz and Pedro Pichardo. Diaz recently jumped 18.18m at the European Championships and Pichardo is also in great form, having jumped over 18m this season.
The wind will play a significant role in determining whether the record falls. With a slight headwind, it’s unlikely to be broken, but with an aiding wind and a competitive atmosphere, it's certainly within the realm of possibility.
Edwards also highlighted the potential of Jaydon Hibbert, a young Jamaican athlete who has impressed with his ability to jump great distances off a short approach. Although Hibbert is still dealing with some niggles, Edwards believes he has the potential to be a major force in the event.
Edwards, who competed at the Seoul and Barcelona Olympics, believes that the experience of failing to qualify for the finals at those Games made him more resilient and prepared him for his success at Atlanta and Sydney. He also emphasized the importance of mental toughness, as he overcame two fouls in the Atlanta final to secure a silver medal.
Looking Back at Sydney 2000
Edwards fondly remembers the 2000 Sydney Olympics, describing it as the highlight of his career. He was impressed by the Australian crowd’s response to Cathy Freeman and the overall atmosphere of the Games. He also highlighted the thrilling performances of Michael Johnson, Kelly Holmes, Colin Jackson, and the epic 10,000m final between Haile Gebrselassie and Paul Tergat.
A Legacy of Excellence
Jonathan Edwards’ world record in the triple jump is a testament to his skill and dedication to the sport. His record has stood for nearly 30 years and, despite the emergence of talented new competitors, remains a mark of excellence that may prove difficult to surpass. Edwards' legacy is not only defined by his record, but also by his influence on the sport and his inspiring journey to Olympic gold. His story is one that will undoubtedly continue to inspire generations of athletes to come.
