A demanding combination It's not exactly as easy as one-two-three. The triple jump, which has been part of countless school track and field days as the hop, step and jump, is not the high-profile event that the long jump and high jump are. But in many ways, it's both harder on the body and more technically demanding, a combination of speed, power, rhythm and coordination.

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Men's "Jonathan Edwards for sure. He's the best this year. He's not in the same form he was in a few years ago, although there is a Swede, Olson, who has youth on his side. It will be interesting to see if Edwards can hang on through his age and injuries, being a wily veteran." Women's "Lebedeva has been jumping well all season long, and she has a number of jumps over 14.70, so she has to be the favourite. Marinova of Bulgaria should give her the best battle." -- Michael Smith

MEN Athlete Distance Venue - Year World Jonathan Edwards (GBR) 18.29m Göteborg - 1995 Canadian Edrick Floreal 17.29 Provo - 1989 Year's Best Jonathan Edwards (GBR) 17.66 Glasgow - July 1 WOMEN Athlete Time Venue - Year World Inessa Kravets (UKR) 15.50m Göteborg - 1995 Canadian Althea Williams 13.78 Flagstaff - 2000 Year's Best Tatyana Lebedeva (RUS) 14.91 Athens - June 11

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Mon., Aug. 6 11:30pm - 12:30am ET Men's FINAL Fri., Aug. 10 11:30pm - 1am Women's FINAL

Jonathan Edwards (GBR)) Tatyana Lebedeva (RUS)

The components of the hop, step and jump seem simple enough on paper, but require a tremendous amount of coordination and timing, as well as power and strong joints to maximize distance. more