Olympics: Triple Jump

Track and Field

The 2004 Olympic Games are in full swing and one of the most popular sports to watch is the track and field events. Maryland resident and Howard graduate Tiombe Hurd is a strong medal contendor for the triple jump. She was the 2004 Olympic Trials champion, a 2001 World Indoor bronze medalist, a 3-time U.S. Indoor champ and the 2001 U.S. Outdoor champion.

Hurd was online Monday, Aug. 16, at 2 p.m. ET to discuss her quest for a gold medal in the triple jump at Athens. Hurd is legally blind, a condition rectified by contact lenses. Without the contacts, her vision is 20/1800, and with them, it's 20/100. The vision problem can also affect her depth perception. She got started in track by running in city recreation programs in Seattle, where she was born. As a high school sophomore, she moved to Virginia where teacher and track coach encouraged her to try track. She earned a degree in hotel/restaurant management from James Madison University and received her MBA from Howard University.

Editor's Note: Washingtonpost.com moderators retain editorial control over Live Online discussions and choose the most relevant questions for guests and hosts; guests and hosts can decline to answer questions.

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Myrtle Beach, S.C.: At what point in your track and field career did you picture yourself making it to the Olympics?

Tiombe Hurd: Hi everyone. I think after I graduated from college I started realizing I could compete internationally. Right about 1998 , 1999 is when I started focusing on training for the 2000 Olympics. I didn't make it to Sydney, but I kept on going and here I am. 4 years later still jumping!

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Greenbelt, Maryland: Not a question, just wanted to let you know how proud I am of you, I have known you since you were 15 and we (Wanda Simms and Barbara Little) are very happy that you have made it!;!; Hopefully Allen will make the next one.

Wanda Simms

Tiombe Hurd: This is from my old co-worker whose son is an up and coming triple jumper in the US. I think if he stays focused (he's really talented), he'll definitely be on the 2008 team. Thanks Wanda!

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Seattle, Wash.: Do you see yourself in the 08 Olympic Games? If not your nephew was wondering if he would have any nieces or nephews to play with in the near future.

And we just wanted to say we love you and we are very proud of you. Oh yea, make sure you represent.

Love Ya,
Niobe & Ta'Jon

Tiombe Hurd: This is from my sister and her son. 4 years. That's a long time and I'll be in my mid-30's. I don't know if I'll still be jumping at that time. But I'm not married yet so I can't say there will be any children coming soon. Maybe in another 7 or 8 years I'll have some little cousins for him to play with. But I definitely will be competing for the next 2 years.

BTW, it's really, really windy here. It went from blazing hot to really windy.

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Washington, D.C.: Hey, Ti, congrats on making the team and getting the AR. What do you think it will take to get out of the qualifying round into the final?

Tiombe Hurd: I think it will take some where around 47 ft to get out of the qualifying round and make it to the next day. I think in the final people will be jumping between 48 and 50 ft. I think this will be the best triple jump competition ever b/c we've had so many women jumping over 15 meters (which is mid 49 ft range).

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Oak Hill, Va.: Tiombe: What's the buzz in the Olympic Village over the past few days? Here's what we've seen on US television thus far: empty stadiums, bad US men's basketball, great US women's softball and basketball, and excellent swimming competition. Any of these the topic of conversation around the Village, or are you completely focused on prepping for the Triple Jump?

Tiombe Hurd: I do overhear people talking at the lunch table and on on the little commuter buses about the US basketball team losing for the first time in a long time. They are wondering if they aren't focused and playing as a team. I've overheard some conversations. I haven't partcipated in them. I think people in the Village are really excited about meeting other athletes. Every country has a pin and everyone is fastening them to the string on their credentials. That's a big deal when the Games are all over... everyone is trading their uniforms. That's the buzz right now.

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Eric in Virginia: Hi Tiombe,

Just wanted to know what your plans are after the Olympics? Are you going to shoot for 2008? Joy and I are so proud of you!; Good luck!;

Tiombe Hurd: Hi Eric, I will have I believe 2 more competitions after the Games in September. Then I will go back to Maryland for a month and a half and take a break. Then starting in November, I'll start training again. Like I said, I'll be competiting for 2 more years (World Championships). After those 2 years, I'll see how my body feels and I'll determine whether or not I'll still be competing.

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Washington, D.C.: Tiombe, as you know everyone here at the Park is cheering on for your greatest success, and we wanted to know two things you think of just before you make your run. Much success to you.

Jacob.

Tiombe Hurd: Hi Jacob, thank you. I actually stand at the end of the runway and go through visualizations. I visualize my jump. I stare down the runway and imagine myself going through my jump. I kind of move through the motions. I usually do that before each jump. It probably looks weird, but it works.

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Seattle, Washington: Hi Tiombe, In your opinion which area of track and field is more exciting, college track and field or professional track and field?

Tiombe Hurd: Good question. I would say in the United States, college athletics is more exciting b/c I think they get more attention and there are a lot of parents and friends who show up for the competitions so you get a big crowd. But in Europe where track and field is a major sport on any given day you can fill a stadium with 30 to 40,000 spectators. They are really knowledgeable about Track and Field. They are clapping and cheering. It's amazing.

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Upper Marlboro, Md.: It must be exciting to a metal contender in the birth place of the olympics...how are you handling all the excitment?

Tiombe Hurd: I still myself as an underdog so I really have to go into this competition and compete like it's any other competition. I know that sounds crazy, but if I get too worked up and excited, I might start messing up. So, I have to keep my composure and try to implement the things I've been working in in training. I have to be very aggressive and try to jump far. I still think I'm an underdog so there's not as much pressure on me as there is on other ladies competing with me.

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Harrisburg, Pa.: At what age did you start running, and, if I may please ask, at what age did lose your depth perception? How have you made any necessary adjustments when running?

Tiombe Hurd: I've had my vision impairment since I was born. I started running Seattle when I was young. I've always had glasses and contacts that I've worn so the loss of depth perception was always with me.

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Seattle, Wash.: Hi Tiombe, This question is from Deana in Seattle, WA. What was the most exciting part of the Olympic opening ceremony on Friday? Also where were you located during the United States athletes march into the arena? Another question, How many hours a day or you training as you prepare for your event next week?

Tiombe Hurd: I was on the right side! Laughter. I was trying to get on TV. I walked by a million cameras and no one saw me. I thought I had my game plan all ready, but it didn't work. The most exciting part was when the Greek gentleman ran up the stairs to light the flame b/c the flame was so different than other ones. It was huge. We were all saying "that's some flame!" Now that I'm in competition mode, I'm only training about an hour and a half a day. In the off season, I train twice a day and it totals about 6 hours a day.

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Upper Marlboro, Md.: What did it feel like to participate in the opening ceremonies and the parade?

Tiombe Hurd: I was getting a little emotional. I didn't cry, but I got the chills. When the US was told we were going into the tunnel (you have to march through the tunnel to go into the stadium). I started seeing people hanging over with US flags and that's when it really stuck in that I was really here and I had made it.

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McLean, Va.: You are going to be 31 on Aug. 17. This is your first Olympics. What has kept you "going for the gold" all these year, and will you keep competing after the Olympics?

Tiombe Hurd: I have kept going for so long b/c this is my first full year training as an athlete w/out having a full time job. I think Track and Field used to always be on the backburner for me. So my body has not taken a beating over the years from all of the training. Even though I may be older, I think I'll have more longevity b/c I'll be more fresh than they might be.

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Lorton, Va.: Tiombe,

As a former track and field athlete, I can certainly appreciate the discipline and commitment it takes to keep competing at a high level. Having self-coached yourself for years, while working full-time, how were you able to maintain your focus, desire, and most importantly, conditioning to be in the position you are today -- an American record holder and Olympian?

Wishing you the best...

Valentia

Tiombe Hurd: I'm very hard on myself and I think if I was a coach I would be a very tough coach. I was coaching myself so I was very hard on myself. I did it b/c I felt I had achieved so many other things in my life, but I still hadn't achieved my goal of being on the Olympic team. So I graduated, I got 2 degrees, one of them being a Master's, started my career, bought a home, but I was still unsatisfied with my athletic career. So I keep going until I made an Olympic team. Now I feel more complete.

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Upper Marlboro, Md.: Track and Field is a very popular sport...what have you done to prepare to make history?

Obviously being legally blind has not hindered you from following your dreams....you are truly an inspiration to us all....However, how does being legally blind affect your competition?

Do you miss your family? and friends?

How many hours in a day do you workout to perfect your sport?

We are VERY proud of you here in Upper Marlboro!

Tiombe Hurd: I miss my family and friends deeply and I spend a lot of money on phone calls and phone cards. I spent a lot of time on e-mail. My vision impairment I had kept secret from people when they first meet me b/c I didn't want them to treat me differently, but it doesn't affect my training. It affects my competition b/c I have a hard time guiding myself onto the take off board. So, that's why I foul too much in competition. So I just have to rely more on the rythmn of my running mechanics and guide myself more to the board than other runners would.

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Washington, D.C.: What day and time do you jump Ti? Deatra

Tiombe Hurd: The qualifying rounds are this Saturday August 21st at 8:30 pm Athens time. If I make the final, that would be Monday the 23rd at 6:45 pm Athens time.

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Brambleton, Va.: Happy Birthday One Day Early! What a great place to be celebrating your birthday! Train hard and visualize the perfect jump! You will do it!

Sharon

Tiombe Hurd: Hi Sharon! Thanks so much. You are GREAT. Thank you, thank you for all of the years of support.

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Reston Va.: Hi Tiombe, this is Gregg (Coach P). First off, I wish you best of luck and all of American University's athletic department and D.C. United is pulling for you.
Luv u,

Gregg

Tiombe Hurd: Gregg, Thank you! I'll never forget all of the hard workouts you put me through!

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Centreville, Va.: Hey Playah!

Congrats again! Who do you feel are your biggest competitors in the jump? What nations are they from?

Congrats on making your dreams come true!

Eric

Tiombe Hurd: The ladies that have jumped over 49 ft this year are from Russia, Jamaica, Italy and 2 from Africa.

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Myrtle Beach, SC: Hi Tiombe, it's Chrissie!; Have you trained differently in the past year, that you think may have made the difference in making it this far?

Tiombe Hurd: I left my full-time job last year so before I was trying to cram all of my workouts into 3 hours at night. Now that I can train full-time, I can split up my work outs into 2 different sessions and spend as much time as I'd like on the track, in the weight room and getting treatment (taking care of my body). Now everything is quality and before I didn't have that.

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Reston, Va.: As a first time Olympic competitor, what are you most impressed about? least?
related to the ceremonies
food
athletes village
fans

Charles

Tiombe Hurd: Hi Charles, the actual stadium that the Track and Field athletes will be competing in is impressive. Overall, I'm just excited the fact that all of these amazing athletes from around the world come together and no one is more important than anyone else right now. I did my team processing with Tim Duncan so it's just amazing to see all of these high profile people. But right now, we are all the same.

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Reston, Va.: Hi Tiombe!
First, I want to congratulate you on your new American record in the Triple Jump. Also, I want to wish you the greatest of luck in the Olympic Games. You already have so much to be proud of and have distinguished yourself in the company of a very small group of people to even achieve the level of Olympic athlete. That alone is a HUGE accomplishment! Considering two-thirds of Olympic athletes will not win a medal, can you tell us what you will be doing to "get your game face on" for this competition? Any superstitions, routines, good luck charms, prayers, etc. . .? Is there anything we (your fans back home) can do to help with this process?

Best of luck Ti! We love you!
Sharon, Jim and Zeb
XOXO

Tiombe Hurd: Everyone back at home can say a lot of prayers for me. I need those. My good luck items: I have my pink girlie wristband that I wear in competition. I am going to wear a few other items that elementary kids from around the US made for us. We got them when we first checked in for team processing.

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Colorado Springs, Colo.: Your olympic quest has been a long journey, I know that you are ready to go? Are you doing anything different in the oly village (as pertaining to your training) than you did back in MD? How are you sleeping? Are you able to enjoy the olympic experience before you compete, knowing that you want to go through to the finals?

John

Tiombe Hurd: Hi John, there is literally a little village here. YOu can get your nails done and there are hair salons. Without me having to go outside the village, I can enjoy everyday life here. I can partake all of those services they have for athletes here. I won't really do any touring around until I'm done with competition.

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Bowie, Md.: Hi Ti,

You know the folks here (Lynell and friends) in Bowie are cheering you on. We love you and hope you the best and are awaiting the next truimphal quest.

Given the feat that will present your greatest challenge and certainly the most monumental request of your mind, body and fortitude.

What mental strategies do you incorporate to ease your mind initially, give you solace, then infuse you into a mental environment that creates the competitive edge for you to compete optimally...

lynell

Tiombe Hurd: Hi Lynell,
The day before my competition, I try to do absoultely nothing and totally rest my body. I try to stay in my room and most of the time I do crossword puzzles b/c I don't want to walk around and tire out my legs before I compete. So this way I'm fresh for the competition.

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Fairfax, Va.: What is it that other countries have or do to better their training for this event. It seems that the Americans are behind in the Triple Jump. Why is that?

Tiombe Hurd: I think maybe some of the American coaches are too easy on women jumpers. And, some people still believe that this event is too tough on a woman's body and I think that European coaches have the idea that they want to train the women like the men. So, they get them really strong and powerful so they are doing better than we are now. But I train really hard so that is why I think I've been able to stay at the top of the American rankings this far.

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Philadelphia, Pa.: You have been jumping a long time. What was the transction like from college to becoming what you are today>

Tiombe Hurd: In college, you tend to sometimes do a few different events b/c it's a team sport and you need to score points. But once you get out of school, you tend to specialize and the Triple Jump is the event I chose. So now all of my training is focused on that not the relay, not the 400 M etc.

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Washington, D.C.: This question is from Barbara who worked with you when you were a summer intern at Sallie Mae. First I am so proud and happy for you. What country is your biggest competitor in the triple jump?

Tiombe Hurd: Hi Barbara! Thank. I think Russia is my biggest competitor. They will probably have the most athletes who will make it to the finals from one country.

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Raleigh, N.C.: Tiombe

I have been keeping track of your stats since 1991. What has been the major difference in your training from 2003 to the present. Bounding, Speed work or Technique?

Chris

Tiombe Hurd: Hi Chris, what a typical question from another jumper. The main difference is doing a lot of speed work and getting stronger and more powerful in the weightroom.

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Alexandria, Va.: What would you tell young athletes
aspiring to be Olympic athletes?

Tiombe Hurd: I would say to learn as much as they can about the particular event they are interested in. Watch a lot of videos of top athletes in that event and read a lot of books on it. And take care of their bodies. If you eat junk, your body is junk. I learned that the hard way.

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Upper Marlboro, Md.: Do you feel a little nervous? Or have you calmed down some from all of the excitment being over in ATHENS, has it really hit you yet that you made the team and that you have a chance to go for the GOLD? We are all praying for you.

Tiombe Hurd: Right now, I'm really excited, but will probably turn to nerves on Friday, the day before I compete.

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Washington, D.C.: Well good luck and we are all routing for you...what is the time difference so that i don't miss you? Happy 31st birthday. Love ya Deatra

Tiombe Hurd: Thank you. The time difference is we are 7 hrs ahead here. Smooches!

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Fort Washington, Md.: Hi Tiombe. Just want to let you know that I am so proud of you. Congratulations and Good Luck.

Chin & Associates

Tiombe Hurd: Thank you!

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Upper Marlboro, Md.: Hey girl....I'm totally thrilled for you and of course you know we will all glued to our tubes on Friday and Monday. Being the underdog is cool because the pressure is off you and on someone else. Can't wait to see their faces when you burst out of the pen once again. May God continue to keep you and bless you...Judi

Tiombe Hurd: Thank you! This is from my neighbor. I'll be coming home soon so don't botch up my grass anymore! :)

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Kensington, Md.: This is not a question. Ti, I am so proud of you; and Taylor and I can't wait to watch you win! We love you and are there with you in spirit. Good luck; and we'll talk to you later.

Love ya,

Andrea

Tiombe Hurd: Thanks to my college roomie!

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Fairfax, Va.: Hi Tiombe!
Congratulations on the AR! We are soooo proud of you! You have achieved so much already! No matter the results, you will come home a winner in our eyes.

Victoria

Tiombe Hurd: Thank you! I'm just happy to be here no matter my performance, I hope everyone is proud.

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Seattle, Wash.: How could I forget? HAPPY BIRTHDAY

From your sista and nephew.

Tiombe Hurd: Thanks Ni!

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Tiombe Hurd: Thanks to everyone back home for all of the support. Please keep praying for me and I can't wait to come home next month and have a big party with all of you. Go Team USA! Love ya! --Ti

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washingtonpost.com: Thank you for joining us for this discussion and our special thanks to Tiombe Hurd for taking time out of her training schedule to join us. Please continue to log-on to washingtonpost.com for more discussions from Athens with Post sportswriters and Olympic athletes.

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