SDSU Soph Sees ‘Top 3’ in Future After Taking 5th in Olympic Trials Triple Jump

San Diego State University sophomore Xiamara Young took fifth in the triple final Saturday at the U.S. Olympic Trials in Eugene, Oregon.

The top three go to the Paris Olympics.

Was Young crushed?

Not if you saw the smile on her face.

“I’m gonna hang with it until I make Team USA, until I can go top three,” she said. “You are going to see me again.”

Second-placer Keturah Orji — the 28-year-old American record holder — is retiring after Paris. And former U.S. record woman Tori Franklin — third here at 45-0 1/4 — is 31. So Young — who recently turned 21 — sees an open field soon.

Saturday’s winner was Jasmine Moore, 23, who leaped 46 feet, 9 1/2 inches. But fourth place went to Imani Oliver, another 31-year-old, who went 44-11 1/2 — less than 8 inches ahead of Young.

Young opened the day with a subpar 40-5 but joined five other women for a final three jumps by equalling her all-time best of 44-4 on her second try. (She couldn’t improve in her next four leaps.)

But to former sprint specialist Young — triple jumping seriously for only three years — it’s only a matter of time before she rises to the top.

“Honestly, top five” was her goal, said the 2021 graduate of Las Vegas Centennial High School. “Yeah. I knew upon getting here I can make top five. So I said it before I got here and I did it. … Next time top three.”

When she saw that a 45-foot jump was needed to land a spot on Team USA, was she intimidated?

“I definitely thought I could chase it — like it’s not unattainable for me,” said the 5-foot-7 dynamo. “I’m not someone that cowers … among the pros or bigger athletes. I rise to the challenge. I like competing against them.”

She’s been thinking positively despite setbacks this season, including a six-week injury pause (rehabbing her right knee — her takeoff leg) and a disappointing outing at the NCAA championships — also at the University of Oregon — where she fouled on two of her three jumps.

“But I came back, working hard, doing two-a-days [after injury] — just really, you know, busting my A-word. And by the grace of God, I made it to outdoor nationals and … I just kept pushing from that point.

“And here I am at the trials.”