Iowa grad Troy Doris didn’t finish his senior season as a triple jumper the way he wanted to. After finishing fifth at the NCAA championships for the second-straight year, when he was expected to bring home gold, Doris left nationals feeling disappointed earlier this month.
But now, he’s got a second chance to jump distances up to his expectations.
The graduated senior placed ninth in the preliminary round of the U.S. track and field Olympic team trials on Thursday.
Doris managed a 16.42-meter jump, just under his best performance of 16.48 meters at the NCAA championships. Doris’ personal best distance is 16.66 meters, which he set at the outdoor Big Ten championships in May.
The ex-Hawkeye hit 16.07 meter in his first jump, then jumped his high 16.42 in the second, followed by a 16.22-meter leap on his third try. His second jump was far enough to place ninth and qualify for the finals.
Christian Taylor, a two-time NCAA and one-time U.S. champion, won the prelim with a jump of 17.27 meters. Taylor followed by William Claye who measured 16.80 meters.
Doris will compete in the men’s triple jump finals on Saturday. His event will begin at 6:40 p.m. CDT.
— by Molly Irene Olmstead