Watch Tori Franklin's #2 all-time record (video courtesy of Andreas "Andy" Pavlou/University of Texas Athletics)
Austin TX-
Former Michigan State University and Downers Grove South High School star Tori Franklin has been on a roll since becoming a professional track and field athlete in 2015. Friday afternoon at the prestigious Texas Relays, Franklin leaped her way into the #2 all-time spot of the Women's Triple Jump with a massive effort of 47'6.25" (14.48m). This was Franklin's first outdoor competition since coming off of an 8th place finish at the World Indoor Championships in Birmingham, England.
After scratching on her first two attempts it did not appear as though Franklin would leap her way into history much less the victory. She would settle down though and get on the board in the third frame with a 45-11.75 effort. That mark was good enough for the victory, but Franklin was not done. The fifth round brought a nail biter that nearly put Franklin in the pit on her middle phase. "I thought i was going to hit it tool! I was watching each jump to make sure i put my foot down," said Franklin. In essence she put everything into the jump and that is how great things happen.
The American record is next on the horizon, but an active University of Georgia superstar Keturah Orji TJ'er may get the extra motivation to extend our record 48-3.25 with Franklin breathing down her back like a dragon.
The work in the lab is obviously paying off for Franklin whose list of accomplishments include an indoor national title at USATF. "Training had been going well, and I was confident coming into the meet. I love the sun here I love the crowd and it all just kept pushing me to jump farther."
Tori's series: F, F, 45-11.75 (14.01m), 47-1.5 (14.36m), 47-6.5 [+1.0] (14.48m), F