Roaring Fork’s Thompson leaps for gold in state long jump
Glenwood Springs correspondent
Aspen, CO Colorado
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LAKEWOOD, Colo. ” Even though he had his second state title in as many days well in the bag, Roaring Fork’s Tyler Thompson saved his best jump for last.
The last turn of the afternoon in Saturday’s 3A long jump final at the state track and field meet in Lakewood belonged to the spring-legged senior from the Carbondale school, and he made it count. Thompson covered 22 feet, 1 inch, cementing a runaway victory and his second straight long jump title. He had already recorded a leap of 21-11, one that would have earned him the title.
And so ended a historic weekend for Thompson, who took home gold in the triple jump the previous day.
He topped second-place finisher C.J. Kukus of Brush by 11 inches in the long jump.
“I never would have imagined this, ever,” said an ecstatic Thompson, who now has three gold medals to his name. “I’m extremely happy right now.”
He was also a little reflective, looking back on all the work ” and thought ” he poured into his double-title weekend.
“A bunch,” Thompson said. “I’ve always been thinking about this. Track is always at the back of my mind.”
Thompson hopes to keep track on the back of his mind at the University of Colorado next season. He’ll try to walk on to the team there. That, and obtain a degree in engineering.
Until then, the senior seemed content to bask in a moment few ever enjoy.
“It’s been a good weekend,” said Thompson, smiling widely. “I’m excited.”
jcaspersen@postindependent.com
