It was a big weekend for Triple Jumpers, as both defending State Champions in the event returned to the State Meet runways, and put in State Leading performances. Not only that, but both marks rank Top 3 in the country for their respective event, kicking off what is to be a thrilling Championship Season her in New York. Hear from them below.
Braxton Returns To Site Of State Record
It was one year ago, at this very same Invite, that Alissa Braxton (Commack) launched her State Record Triple Jump of 41-9.5. Now, one year later, and the magic has returned, as Braxton came away with a US #2 and State Leading leap of 41-2.5. While the mark may not have been as far as the year before, the competition in-state has gotten much closer. On the same runway earlier in the month, Nadia Saunders (North Rockland) put out a then-State Leading effort of 41-0. The two jumpers are now 2-3 in the country, and set to collide once again at the Indoor State Meet.
Hanson Takes Big Leap Spurred By Project TJ
It may seem like Jadan Hanson (Uniondale) has been around forever, but that's what happens when you are jumping 47-feet as a sophomore. Now a Senior, and Hanson has one thing on his mind: defending his State Title. He is well on his way, as he jumped 49-0 at the Ocean Breeze Invite, good for NY #1 and US #3 in his event. The effort comes one week after Hanson participated in NSAF's Project Triple Jump, where some of the top jumpers in the country travel to Cuba to learn from a TJ-Specific Clinic. Putting the knowledge to good use, the jumper added another two feet to his Season Best.