Triple-jumping to Olympics

In the triple jump, the athlete sprints down a runway to a mark, at which he proceeds to do three consecutive jumps with the conclusion of the third jump landing into a sand-filled pit. During the triple jump, an athlete must hop off of the same leg twice before switching legs for the final jump. The goal is to land the furthest distance in the sand away from the initial mark.

It takes a nimble athlete to succeed in the triple jump, and Wusu has had to nimble in his career with high achievements but beset with injuries. During his career, the 26-year-old has endured various injuries ranging from a pulled hamstring and stress fractures to collapsed arches and a torn meniscus.

Wusu graduated from Palo Alto High School where in 2003 he was selected as Athlete of the Year. Wusu excelled at track and field, football and wrestling. In football, Wusu played as a strong safety and wide receiver. In track and field, he primarily participated in the triple jump, long jump, 400 meter and 4x400.

In high school, he won a total of six All-Santa Clara Valley Athletic League Awards including two MVP honors. He set the triple jump record at Palo Alto High School of 47-2 at the Central Coast Section championships. In 2002, he was named the SCVAL De Anza Division’s Best Offensive Player in football; in 2003 Wusu was named Best Defensive Player. In wrestling, he finished third at a CIF-CCS meet, advancing to the state tournament.

During high school, he was offered a football scholarship to the University of Oregon. However, a senior year injury forced him to look into different options. He spent a post-graduate year at Phillips Academy Andover. At Andover, the injuries persisted, and Wusu had to change plans once again. He decided to attend University of California at Davis on a track and field scholarship.

At UC Davis, Wusu stood out in the triple jump and long jump. In 2006, he was a winner at the Division I Independent Championships, finishing first in the triple jump and long jump events. He also finished first at the All-Cal Challenge and qualified for the legendary Modesto Relays. In 2008, he finished fifth in the triple jump at the Big West Conference Championships and 11th in the long jump, and he posted three wins at the Payton Jordan Invite.

A volunteer coach at UC Davis encouraged Wusu to jump further. It proved to be good advice. Wusu recorded his first jump over 50 feet and it turned out to be easy for him. Subsequently, Wusu and his inspiring coach set their sights on the Olympics.

Unfortunately, the Olympic dream was interrupted. In 2007, shortly qualifying for the 2008 Olympic Trials, Wusu suffered a torn meniscus in his knee and there were many complications following surgery.

During his career, Wusu has endured a number of injuries and said he has bounced back stronger each time, physically and mentally. He is grateful for the support of friends, family and coaches.

Wusu has now recovered from the host of injuries that have followed him since 2003. He attributes his miraculous recovery and continued success to his training at the Sport Science Lab in Orange County where he is now preparing for the 2012 Olympic Trials.

As Wusu is conditioning his body for the trials, he is also conditioning his mind. His ultimate goal is to get to the Olympics but along the way, he looks forward to "the ability to fly without having fears,” he said.

His advice for aspiring athletes, "Believe in yourself. It’s the most important thing,” he said. "And be smart — you’re the only one who knows how you really feel. Be true to yourself and trust yourself.”