Jonathan Edwards (sports)
For other people named Jonathan Edwards, see Jonathan Edwards
Jonathan David Edwards (born May 10, 1966 in London) is a British triple jumper.
Edwards initially refused to compete on Sundays due to his devout Christian beliefs, a decision which cost him a chance to compete in the 1991 World Championships. However in 1993, after much deliberation and discussion with his father (a vicar), he changed his mind, stating that God gave him his talent in order for him to compete. The decision proved timely, since the qualifying round at that year's World Championships took place on a Sunday. He went on to win the bronze medal.
He capped an unbeaten 1995 with a historic gold-medal performance at the World Championships. On his first jump, he became the first to pass the 18-metre barrier (18.16 m). That record lasted for about 20 minutes. His second jump of 18.29m made him the first to jump 60 feet. Later the same year Edwards became the BBC Sports Personality of the Year.
Edwards won the Gold medal at the 2000 Summer Olympic Games, and was awarded the CBE shortly afterwards. He also won golds at the 2001 World Championships and 2002 Commonwealth Games. He retired after the 2003 World Championships.
Following his retirement, Edwards has pursued a media career. He is currently the presenter of BBC Television's religious music programme, Songs of Praise.
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Referenced By
10 May | 10th May | 1966 | 1966 in sports | 2002 Commonwealth Games | 2003 World Championships in Athletics | Athletic contest | Athletic contests | Athletics | BBC Sports Personality of the Year | Durham University | Jonathan Edwards | List of people by name: Ed | May 10 | May 10th | Olympic athletics medalists (men) | Olympic champions/Track and Field - Men | Olympic medalists in athletics (men) | Running/track | Track and Field | Track running | Triple jump | University of Durham
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