Will Claye is one of our most versatile athletes. His medals in the LJ and TJ in 2012 was the first time since 1932 that an American had done such a feat. Claye is a thoughtful, spiritual man who speaks with his athleticism and his positive attitude.
Will Claye, photo by PhotoRun.net
Hy-Vee is doing a great thing by their support of the Drake Relays. We salute them for supporting one of the most important meets in the country. Their Rio Previews are brilliant, and the support that they are putting into Drake is one of the largest investments in our sport in North America. If you are a track fan, make it a point of purchasing products at Hy-Vee: they are doing good things for our community.
Drake Relays Presented By Hy-Vee Announces Men’s Triple Jump Field
DES MOINES, Iowa – Drake Relays presented by Hy-Vee director Brian Brown has unveiled the field for the Rio Olympic Game Preview men’s triple jump for the 107th Drake Relays presented by Hy-Vee.
The event will feature nine jumpers taking off along the homestretch of the Blue Oval including two Olympic medalists and the Bahamian national record holder.
VIDEO: Brian Brown discusses the Drake Relays presented by Hy-Vee men’s triple jump field
Headlining the field is American Will Claye, the 2012 Olympic silver medalist in the triple jump and bronze medalist in the long jump. Claye is also a two-time World Championships bronze medalist and finished the 2015 season ranked No. 7 in the world. He has been ranked as one of the top seven jumpers in the world for five-straight seasons.
A fellow 2012 Olympian and the 2008 Olympic bronze medalist, Leevan Sands, will challenge Claye in the event. Sands, a native of the Bahamas, holds the country’s record in the event at 57-8.5 and has consistently been one of the top jumpers in the world.
American Marquis Dendy finished the 2015 season ranked No. 8 in the world will also travel to Des Moines as the reigning U.S. Indoor and outdoor champion in the long jump.
The two-time U.S. Indoor triple jump champion Chris Carter is also in the field as one of five competitors that have jumped past 17 meters in the event.
Completing the field of talented jumpers are Alphonso Jordan, Josh Honeycutt, Iowa product Troy Doris, Chris Benard and Donald Scott.
All nine jumpers will also take part in the ‘Leap For The Loot’ as part of the triple jump with an additional $1,500 being awarded to the top jumper in each of the event’s six rounds. Combined with the existing purse money, $15,000 in total money is now up for grabs in the men’s triple jump.
The event and ‘Leap For The Loot’ are scheduled for the final day of the Relays on April 30 at 2:45 p.m. inside Drake Stadium.
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