The triple jump was at one time considered the realm of long jump bottom-feeders who simply couldn't hope to compete with the Jesse Owens of the track and field world. But if anything, the triple jump is more demanding physically and technically than the long jump.

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. In short, they strive to transfer as much energy and momentum from one phase of the jump to the next, and that can take a huge toll on the body, which is one reason why the triple jump is such a specialty sport.

"The triple jump causes a lot of wear and tear on the body," explains former decathlete and current CBC track analyst Michael Smith. "It's a very violent, pounding event on the body -- you can really see this in slow motion, the way the body is jarred between each part of the jump."

It's not hard to see why that would be the case. You're jumping long distances at great speed and not only absorbing the impact of each hard landing, but trying to transfer your moment to the next phase of the jump.

That's why in addition to excellent timing and rhythm, the takeoff angle of each phase, particularly the hop, is crucial.