Caroline Ehrhardt sets new Canadian Interscholastic Record in Triple Jump

Caroline Ehrhardt of Espanola High School made history at the 2009 OFSAA Track and Field Championships at Varsity Stadium in Toronto on Friday, June 5th. She jumped farther than any other girl in Canadian high school competition – ever – setting a new Canadian Interscholastic Record in Triple Jump.

"To set a record like that takes skill, effort, determination and poise," said proud teacher David Gallant who witnessed the feat.
 
Caroline’s fourth round jump of 12.76 m beat the Canadian Interscholastic Record set by Olympian Tabiah Charles by 40 cms.  Caroline has qualified to compete at this year’s World Youth Track and Field Championships in Italy during the first weekend in July. 

"Her first three jumps were a bit shaky," said Gallant. She faulted on her first jump, had a second jump of 11.89 (good enough to get her into the final round of three jumps) and a third round jump of 11.54 m. They whittled the field down from 24 of the best jumpers in Ontario to eight and Caroline was in second place as the leader had a jump of 12.08 m down. 

"However, we knew that Caroline was ready to put on a performance for the crowd and she had full crowd support," added Gallant. "People started clapping in rhythm as she stood on the runway ready to start her jump and when she landed it, she was WELLLLLLL past the little Canadian flag and the OFSAA sign that marked where the old records stood.  The crowd went wild. There were tears of joy and pride as well."

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Media Contact:

David Gallant, Teacher, Espanola High School, 705-862-0074 (cell)