Jai Taurima

Last updated

Jai Taurima
Personal information
Born (1972-06-26) 26 June 1972 (age 52)
Medal record
Men's Athletics
Representing Flag of Australia (converted).svg  Australia
Olympic Games
Silver medal icon (S initial).svg 2000 Sydney Long Jump
Commonwealth Games
Silver medal icon (S initial).svg 1998 Kuala Lumpur Long Jump

Jai Desmond Taurima (born 26 June 1972 in Southport, Queensland) is an Australian retired athlete who competed in the long jump.

Despite smoking a packet of cigarettes a day, [1] he won a surprising silver medal at the 2000 Olympics with a personal best jump of 8.49 metres. This was the Oceanic record at the time. He is the son of Elaine (†) and Floyd Taurima, and a sibling of Corrie and Australian track and field coach Stacey Taurima. His partner is Jennifer Smith. [2] [3] He is also known as Jumping Jai or Jumping Jai Taurima.

In addition, Taurima won a silver medal at the 1998 Commonwealth Games.

Since retiring from athletics, Taurima has joined the Australian Federal Police. [4]

Of New Zealand Māori descent, Taurima affiliates to the Ngāti Kahungunu iwi. [5]

In 2014, his daughter, Indie Rose, died from leukemia at the age of two years old. [2]

References

  1. ↑ Epstein, Rafael (14 August 2000). "Training regime of cigarettes, pizza and late nights". Australian Broadcasting Corporation. Archived from the original on 29 May 2005.
  2. 1 2 Reghenzani, Kylie (23 May 2014). "Indie Rose Taurima's short life touched many". Cairns Post.
  3. ↑ Area Outdoor Records - Men - Oceania - IAAF.org
  4. ↑ http://www.smh.com.au/articles/2004/01/28/1075088087487.html?from=storyrhs [retrieved 24/9/10]
  5. ↑ McCurdy, Diana (30 September 2000). "Aussie crowd-pleaser proud of Kiwi heritage". The Press.



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