It was a repeat of the triple jump event of the 2012 U.S. Olympic Trials as former University of Florida standouts Christian Taylor and Will Claye made their second Olympic team Saturday on Day nine of the U.S Track and Field Olympic Trials.
Only this time, they switched podium spots.
“When we put that USA across our chests, we feel like superheroes,” Claye said.
After finishing runner-up to Taylor at the trials in 2012, Claye won the event on Saturday with a jump of 57 feet, 11 inches as Taylor closely followed him at 57-0 ¾. Behind them was first time Olympian Chris Bernard, who finished third with a jump of 56-5 ¾, a personal record. His third jump was only a centimeter from his former personal-best.
For much of the event, Claye lead the field. He started the competition off by jumping 55-11 ¾. He improved his distances each of his first three jumps, remaining in first until Taylor jumped 57-0 on his third jump. Taylor furthered improved that mark on his final jump of 57-0 ¾.
“I can always respond if I need to, but when I knew I made the team, that was the most important goal of the weekend,” Taylor said.
Claye decided to pass on his final jump because he knew that he had already made the team as well.
“It’s been an emotional rollercoaster this week,” Claye said. “Me and my coach were just sitting there like, ‘you finally did it,’ and it just brought me to tears.”
Earlier this week, Claye placed third in the long jump but wasn’t able to hit the Olympic standard, missing it by one centimeter. Because of that, he missed his chance to go to Rio in that event. Yet, he will be going to Rio anyway, competing in what he admits is his better event, but it wasn’t without some difficulty.
Coming into the world championships in Beijing in 2015, Claye had two degenerated discs in his back, which made him unable to train for six weeks.
“To see Will jump and back in great form is very exciting for me,” Taylor said.
When asked how he felt about finishing second place to Claye, Taylor said, “I know it sounds weird, but it’s actually exciting…. I was undefeated for a while now, and I think when you lose, you start to challenge yourself.”
The two  be looking for a repeat performance of the 2012 London Olympics where Taylor won the gold and Claye won the silver.
“I believe that we could go 1,2,3 in Rio,” Claye said. “I feel like we have the fight in us, and we’re competing for the best team in the world.”