NCAA

Whitaker Finishes Fifth in the World

Whitaker Finishes Fifth in the World


Track & Field | 8/5/2022 7:26:00 PM

MINNEAPOLIS — The University of Minnesota saw its freshman Floyd Whitaker Jr. complete his season with a fifth-place finish at the U20 World Championships held in Cali, Colombia at Pascual Guerrero Olympic Stadium. In the process Whitaker became the second-farthest triple jumper in program history. 

Whitaker’s final mark of 16.01m (52-6 1/4) came on his final attempt of the final on Friday night in South America. Whitaker was able to reach the second day of competition after advancing through the qualifying round with a leap of 15.54m. In the final Whitaker responded on his second and third jumps after scratching his opening attempt to earn himself three more jumps in the final. 

Whitaker’s 16.01m is significant in Gophers’ history, putting the now-rising sophomore No. 2 in program history. The Clemonton, N.J., native is just the second Gopher to ever eclipse 16 meters in the triple jump, joining Keita Cline who did so in 1992. 

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