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2mo ago

Edwards’ 18.29m Triple Jump World Record Stands After 30 Years

Modest tech gains have bypassed field events, reflecting persistent funding gaps, with Andy Díaz leading 2025 at 17.80m.

7 AUG 1995: JONATHAN EDWARDS OF GREAT BRITAIN CELEBRATES AFTER BREAKING THE WORLD RECORD WITH HIS SECOND JUMP OF 18.29M IN THE MENS TRIPLE JUMP AT THE 1995 IAAF WORLD ATHLETICS CHAMPIONSHIPS AT THE ULLEVI STADIUM IN GOTHENBURG, SWEDEN. Mandatory Credit: Mike Powell/ALLSPORT
Edwards competes in the 1995 World Championships.
Edwards celebrates a triple jump world record in Gothenburg, Sweden in August 1995.
From left to right, Russia's Denis Kasputin, Edwards, and Cuba's Yoel Garcia on the podium at the 2000 Olympics in Sydney.

Overview

  • August 7 marks the 30th anniversary of Edwards’ 18.29m leap at the 1995 World Championships in Gothenburg, which remains the unbroken world record.
  • Edwards says shoe innovations have delivered major gains on the track but produced only incremental improvements in field events like the triple jump.
  • He hopes to retain the record for life and credits stepping away from media roles with helping him accept its eventual downfall.
  • American Christian Taylor and Spain’s Jordan Díaz have both come within inches of Edwards’ mark, while season leader Andy Díaz leads 2025 with a best of 17.80m.
  • He warns that limited professionalisation and sponsorship in field disciplines have stunted athlete development and may deter new contenders.