The Unbroken Legacy: Jonathan Edwards' 30-Year Triple Jump World Record and the State of Athletics

Jonathan Edwards reflects on his 30-year-old triple jump world record and discusses the challenges facing modern athletics.

The Unbroken Legacy: Jonathan Edwards' 30-Year Triple Jump World Record

Jonathan Edwards, Britain's only track and field world record holder in regularly contested events, recently reflected on his triple jump world record of 18.29m, set on 7 August 1995 at the World Championships in Gothenburg. This record remains unbroken for three decades, a fact that Edwards finds both surprising and concerning.

A Record That Stands the Test of Time

Edwards' achievement is remarkable, especially considering the advancements in sports science, nutrition, and training methods over the past 30 years. "I don't think it's a good sign for athletics as a sport that you have a record that stands for 30 years," Edwards told BBC Sport. He believes that the lack of progress in breaking his record indicates a stagnation in the sport.

The Technique Behind the Record

Edwards attributes his success to a unique technique and a lightweight frame. He changed his technique that season, adopting a double arm action that he said made him "so well balanced" through all phases of the jump. At 71kg, he was lighter than many other athletes, which may have contributed to his efficiency in the triple jump.

The State of Modern Athletics

Edwards also discussed the challenges facing modern athletics, including the lack of financial incentives for young athletes. "If you're a talented young kid, you wouldn't necessarily pick track and field," he said. "You wouldn't certainly pick a field event where the rewards are less than on the track."

Technology's Role in Athletics

Despite advancements in technology, particularly in footwear, Edwards believes that these innovations may not benefit jumpers as much as they do runners. "I wonder whether or not a carbon fibre plate is able to cope with the intensity of that impact and then offer anything on the rebound," he said.

Will the Record Ever Be Broken?

The closest anyone has come to Edwards' record was 10 years ago when American Christian Taylor jumped 18.21m. The world leading distance this year is 17.80m, while last year's Olympic gold was won with 17.86m. Edwards says he does not know how he will feel if his record goes, but he would be happy if it carried on.

Conclusion

Jonathan Edwards' 30-year-old triple jump world record is a testament to his extraordinary talent and technique. However, it also highlights the challenges facing modern athletics, from financial incentives to technological advancements. As the sport continues to evolve, the question remains: will Edwards' record ever be broken?

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