Kolmiloikkaa

Kolmiloikkaa, or triple jump, is a track and field event in which an athlete runs down a straight runway and performs a sequence of three connected jumps: hop, step, and jump, before landing in a sand pit. The aim is to cover as much distance as possible from the takeoff line.

Technique in Kolmiloikkaa centers on speed, balance, and phases of the jump. After a controlled approach, the athlete takes off on one leg (the hop), lands on the same leg after a short flight, then steps onto the other leg (the step), and finally launches into a forward jump into the pit. Successful attempts depend on maintaining rhythm between phases, minimizing horizontal deceleration, and achieving a stable, forward-facing landing.

Rules and measurement in official competitions specify that the distance is measured from the takeoff line to the nearest point of contact in the sand pit. A jump is valid only if the jumper does not foul by overstepping the takeoff line or committing other violation. Wind speed may be recorded for records, and the competition format typically includes multiple attempts, with the best legal jump counting. In finals, athletes usually receive six attempts, and the top performers gain additional attempts.

History and records: Kolmiloikkaa developed from earlier jumping events and was codified as a separate discipline in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. It has been part of the Olympic Games for men since the early 1900s, with the women’s competition added in 1996. The outdoor world records are held by Jonathan Edwards (men) with 18.29 meters set in 1995, and Yulimar Rojas (women) with 15.67 meters set in 2021.