The triple jump has been a part of the modern Olympic Games since their inception in 1896. The event requires competitors to have a mix of speed, jumping ability and technique honed through years of practice. The following list takes a look at the last five men to win Olympic gold in the event:
Nelson Evora: Born in Cote d'Ivoire, Evora is a naturalized Portuguese. He won the Olympic triple jump gold in 2008 in Beijing with a best distance of 17.67 meters to narrowly defeat British rival Phillips Idowu. A two-time medalist at World Championships-with gold in 2007-Evora will not compete at this summer's Olympics in London due to injury.
Christian Olsson: A native of Sweden, Olsson, the 2003 world champion in the long jump, was also victorious in the event at the 2004 Olympics in Athens. He landed his jump at a mark of 17.79 meters to take the title. As is the case with so many triple jumpers, Olsson's career was derailed in its prime by injuries.
Jonathan Edwards: Edwards won the triple jump title at the 2000 Olympics in Sydney, landing at 17.71 meters, for his second Olympic medal in the event. He had earned the silver in Atlanta four years previously. Edwards, one of Britain's all-time greats in athletics, has been the triple jump world record holder since 1995 with a distance of 18.29 meters.
Kenny Harrison: Harrison was hampered by injuries throughout his career, but the American surprised world record holder Jonathan Edwards by taking the Olympic gold in Atlanta in 1996. Harrison's winning distance of 18.09 meters is still the American and Olympic record in the event. He was also the 1991 long jump world champion.
Mike Conley: A two-time Olympic medalist in the long jump, the crowning achievement of Conley's career was gold in the event in 1992 in Barcelona. Conley's victory was guaranteed with a wind-assisted leap to 18.17 meters on his final attempt. The American star also won four medals at World Championships over his long, distinguished career.
