Two-Time Olympic Triple Jump Champion Christian Taylor Announces Retirement

Christian Taylor, a two-time Olympic champion in the triple jump, is on his farewell tour. He’s soaking in every moment, taking selfies from Norway to Morocco and especially at the U.S. track trials in Oregon. This week, he returns to Hayward Field, where he first made the Olympic team in 2012, to start his bid for a third Olympic appearance.

Despite not defending his title at the Tokyo Games due to an Achilles tendon tear a month before trials, Taylor remains motivated. "But as I was on the recovery table after the surgery, I was just like, yes, it's disappointing. And yes, it's disheartening because I had so many high expectations," Taylor said. "But I didn't want my career, my journey, everything, to end like that."

Reflecting on a Stellar Career

Taylor's career includes four world championship titles and coming within eight centimetres of breaking the world record. His leap of 18.21 meters at the 2015 World Championships in Beijing is the second-longest in history. "I'd like to believe that at one time, if the stars were aligned, I was in a position to break it," Taylor said.

His journey wasn’t without challenges. Diagnosed with severe patellar tendonitis after his 2012 Olympic win, doctors warned him he could limp for life if he didn’t switch legs. Learning to jump with his right leg was like starting over. "They really didn't realize that starting fresh was starting over," explained Taylor.

Overcoming Adversity

Taylor's determination paid off as he soon mastered jumping off his right leg and began jumping farther than ever. His resilience impressed fellow athletes. "To be able to triple jump off your left and then right is insane," long jumper Marquis Dendy said. "He's up there in the GOAT greatest of all time debate."

Each meet this season has been an opportunity for Taylor and his wife Bea to explore cities they may never visit again. "She's like, It's kind of weird to think that every sprint session, every jump session is a countdown," Taylor said.

Legacy and Future Plans

Taylor’s bond with fellow athletes like Will Claye has been crucial throughout his career. Claye, who also suffered an Achilles injury before the Tokyo Games' original start date in 2020, provided support during Taylor's recovery. This camaraderie is what Taylor will miss most post-retirement.

Post-career, Taylor plans to work closely with The Athletics Association to help advance and grow the sport with athletes as the priority. He also intends to attend track meets from the stands. "I've just been extremely blessed and incredibly supported," Taylor said.

As Taylor embarks on his final season, he reflects on his journey with gratitude and pride. His achievements and resilience have left an indelible mark on the sport of triple jump.