BUDAPEST, Hungary - Charisma Taylor gave it a gallant effort on Wednesday, competing in her first global championship, but at the end of the day, she couldn't get that one big jump that she needed to advance to the final of the women's triple jump at the19th World Athletics Championships at the National Athletics Stadium in Budapest, Hungary.
Taylor finished with a best leap of 13.51 meters (m) - 44' 4", ending the competition 13th in her group and 29th overall.
She leapt 13.37m (43' 10-1/2") on her first attempt, 12.17m (39' 11-1/4") on her second and 13.51m on the third. All season long, Taylor was searching for that elusive 14m (45' 11-1/4") jump outdoors that would have placed her among the world's elite jumpers. Despite coming close a few times, she couldn't get that elusive 14m jump. The versatile Bahamian athlete, who also competes in the women's long jump and the women's 100m hurdles, has a season's and personal best leap of 13.99m (45' 10-3/4") outdoors, and was over 13.90m (45' 7-1/4") at three meets this season.
"Leading up to the competition, I felt really good – probably the best I felt all season. I just didn't hit my phases the way I needed to, and that caused me a spot in the final," said Taylor. "I'm definitely disappointed with myself because I know my ability. I feel like I could jump 13.5 in practice so this is a hard pill to swallow."
Whilst disappointed, Taylor said she will sum it up as a learning experience and build off it for next year, looking to qualify for the Paris Olympic Games. She remains confident in her ability and said she will never miss a final again. The final qualifying distance for the final on Wednesday was 14.13m (46' 4-1/2").
"Being here feels great. Not many people could say that they made it to the world championships so that's a blessing. I was here and I have this experience under my belt but I still want to go further. I will never miss a final again," she said.
The weather conditions in Budapest were hot and humid on Wednesday like they have been all week. Quite a few athletes suffered from dehydration and some experienced cramps. Be that as it may, Taylor said that didn't have an effect on her performance.
"I am very well hydrated and well conditioned. My body is used to this climate so I don't think it had an effect on me. I just didn't perform the way that I needed to," she said.
Indoors, Taylor had a massive personal best and national record leap of 14.88m (48' 10") this season, but just couldn't duplicate the same distance outdoors. had she done so, she would have certainly been in the world championships final. She didn't get the big jump when she needed it the most. She's just 23, and has a bright future ahead of her.
On the men's side, LaQuan Nairn, the Commonwealth Games Champion, had a rough world championships, fouling on all three of his attempts in the men's long jump and getting injured on the third jump. According to reports, team officials were still awaiting the result of an ultrasound scan that was performed on Nairn on Wednesday. Team physiotherapist Pharez Cooper said the injury appeared to be a combination of a sprained ankle and sprained knee and that Nairn was undergoing therapy and treatment.
It was the second consecutive day that a Team Bahamas athlete suffered an injury at the world championships. On Tuesday, Steven Gardiner, arguably The Bahamas' best hope for a gold medal at these world championships, suffered a grade one sprain of the tendon that is attached to his posterior right thigh. He is now out for the season, and will attempt a comeback in an Olympic year in 2024, looking to defend his Olympic title.
"We're a team and we're here for them," said Taylor. "I saw Stevie and I gave him a hug and let him know that I'm praying for him. He's in good spirits. I haven't seen LaQuan as yet, but he is like my brother to me. He knows how we are. I'm praying for him."
Taylor said she's sure Nairn is disappointed with his performance, and getting injured, because like her, he came into the world championships with high hopes.
"Both of us are disappointed I'm sure so we could lean on each other and the whole team could lean on each other," she said. "Now we have to gather around and support those who are still competing – Devynne and Anthonique.- and just rally behind them and show them our love and support."
Anthonique Strachan will run in the semifinals of the women's 200m at 7:54 p.m. this evening in Budapest, 1:54 p.m. back in The Bahamas. She will be in lane seven in the second of three semifinal heats. Just the top two finishers and the next two fastest time will advance to Friday's final.
Devynne Charlton will run in the women's 100m hurdles final at 9:22 p.m. this evening in Budapest, 3:22 p.m. back in The Bahamas. She will run out of lane six. It's the fourth straight global final and fifth in the past six, indoors and outdoors, for Charlton.
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