BEIJING, China – Christian Taylor produced a stunning 18.21 metres to win the men’s Triple Jump world title in the evening session of the World Championships on Day 6 on Thursday.
The American, who trailed Cuba’s Pedro Pichardo leading up to the fourth round, took the lead with a 17.68 mark on his fourth attempt, before producing his massive winning effort in the sixth and final round.
Taylor’s winning mark is the second longest in Triple Jump history behind Great Britain’s world record holder Jonathan Edwards, who has the best, at 18.29m.
“God was good and he’s always coming through. Sometimes, mentally, I wasn’t sure what was going to happen,” Taylor said.
“But Rana (Reider) told me to open up my mind, trust the training, trust the process and the crowd went wild.
“I knew I couldn’t celebrate too much because Pichardo had one more jump. For everything to line up at the World Championships is what it’s all about.”
“You never really know how these things are going to play out, but my back was against the wall and I had no other options.
“My faith is very strong and I knew I was here for a reason. I didn’t know I’d jump 18.21, but I’m almost at a loss for words. I’m glad I could represent for USA jumps and be here.”
Pichardo took the silver in 17.73m.
The bronze medal went to Portugal’s Nelson Évora with 17.52m.
