Track Beginnings
Born June 18, 1990 in Fayetteville, Ga. Growing up, he was always one of the fastest players on his soccer teams, so he decided to join the track and field team in middle school.
Major Competitions/Medals
Taylor held off Will Claye, his former University of Florida teammate, to win the triple jump title at the 2012 London Olympics. He also took home triple jump gold medals from the 2011 and 2015 World Championships.
Breakout Moment
2015 World Championships. In 2013, Taylor decided to switch his lead leg after developing left knee pain. Instead of hopping off his left leg, skipping off his left leg and jumping off his right leg, he started doing the exact opposite. He struggled initially, and compared the change to shooting a basketball lay-up with a different hand. But at 2015 Worlds, he proved that he was comfortable with the leg switch by jumping 18.21m, which placed him second on the world all-time list.
Records Held
Taylor is the American triple jump record holder.
Signature
Taylor is a proud University of Florida Gator. He often celebrates by doing the school’s “Gator Chomp” gesture with his outstretched arms.
Top Quotes
“I know as a human you’re never going to get that perfect jump. But I can come as close as possible to it, and that’s something I really push for.” –Christian Taylor
Olympic Experience
2012: One gold medal (triple jump)
Outside the Track
Hygiene is a very important to Taylor, so he often spends his free time cleaning his apartment. “Some people watch movies, some people do social media,” Taylor said. “I believe that there is always something that can be cleaned.”
Social Media
Facebook: Christian Taylor
Twitter: Taylored2jump
Instagram: taylored2jump