When you look at the world’s top triple jumpers, you will see that they tend to have a similar body shape. They are generally tall, slim and explosive. They are typically ectomorphs or mesomorphs. Their top speed is very high by the time they reach the board and they can hold each phase very well. That being said, if your body isn’t “long and wirey”, it shouldn’t prevent you from participating in the triple jump.
One of conclusions people jump to is that if you are short and stocky, or even more muscular, you won’t be able to perform well in the triple jump. However, what is more consistent is the average weight of triple jumpers, which was between 70-82kg.
Here is a list of elite triple jumpers with their height, weight and personal best distance.
| Triple Jumper | Distance | Height | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jonathan Edwards | 18.29m | 1.82m | 71kg |
| Viktor Saneyev | 17.44m | 1.88m | 78kg |
| Christian Taylor | 18.21m | 1.88m | 79kg |
| Willie Banks | 17.97m | 1.90m | 77kg |
| Teddy Tamgo | 18.04m | 1.87m | 82kg |
| Kenny Harrison | 18.09m | 1.78m | 75kg |
| Mike Conley | 17.75m | 1.85m | 77kg |
Many athletes and coaches will look at the frame of world record holder Jonathan Edwards and will agree that his frame is ideal for a triple jumper. The reason being is:
His weight was light, which reduced the amount of force on his muscles in each triple jump phase.
This allowed Jonathan Edwards to accelerate quickly and also have a quick reaction time off the ground. If he was heavier, his reaction time off the ground would have been much slower; thus reducing his speed and making him jump a shorter distance.
It was easier for him to control his body movements, due to not having excess size.
Size does matter when it comes to your body’s movements. If you have a large upper frame with lats, it will force your body to swing instead of project your body forward.
His frame allowed him to have quick leg speed.
This is important in triple jump. You must reach your top speed and leg turnover by the time you hit the board. Jonathan Edwards frame (and training) allowed him to do so.
Despite his small frame, he developed power.
This is key as an athlete. Power doesn’t equate to size. Power is developed from additional strength and speed. When this is combined with explosive power exercises, the athlete will run faster and jump further. More can seen in Jonathan Edwards’ book A time to jump.
If you can develop your explosive power, but keep your weight to less than 80kg; your frame should be good for the triple jump event.
Want to get faster and more powerful so you can improve your triple jump performance?
Below are items that you should purchase and incorporate into your triple jump development program so you can improve your jumping distance in the next 3 months.
Protect yourself from injury in the triple jump.
One of the common injuries that triple jumpers get is a bruised heel. Once you get this, it makes it more difficult to improve your triple jump performance since you will get pain every time you land on your foot. And it will knock your confidence.
To help minimize the risk of getting a bruised heel, you can get heel protection insoles for your shoes.
You can click here to buy some heel insoles on Amazon.
Asics triple jump pro athletics shoes
Specialized triple jump shoes will give you added protection and comfort on your foot and especially around your heel. If you are doing triple jumps that require you to handle alot of force on your jumps (Typically when you start jumping over 13 metres), then you will need to invest in triple jump spikes.
Click here to buy these triple jump shoes on VS Athletics.
Improve your triple jump training.
Improve your triple jump (For beginners only)
If you are fairly new to the triple jump, this ebook will help you with training insights to get you to the intermediate level quickly. You will definitely improve by at least 30 cm, however you should see yourself improve by 1-2m over the next 12 months.
If you are intermediate or advanced in triple jump, then you will want the knowledge and guidance from elite-level triple jumpers and coaches.
Buy the series from World Class Triple Jump series to take your triple jump performances to the elite level.
Click here to buy it on Championship Productions.
Learn about the mentality from triple jump world record holder Jonathan Edwards in his book “A time to jump.”