Recent FPU grad Ethan DeJongh competed in the triple jump at the U.S. Olympic Trials in Eugene, Oregon last week, finishing 15th in the nation with a jump of 52' 9.5".

DeJongh, whose PR is 53' 4.5", impressed enough to receive an invitation to train for the 2016 Olympics. We caught up with DeJongh recently to talk about the meet and his future.

What was the highlight of your Olympic Trials experience?

The highlight of my experience at the trials was being invited by Al Joyner, the 1984 Olympic Gold medalist in the triple jump, to train at the Olympic Training Center in Chula Vista, I'll let J.T. explain.

Coach JT Thiesen:

I was introduced to Al Joyner, one of the full time coaches at the USA Olympic Training Center in Chula Vista. Coach Joyner knew who Ethan was and said that after he had seen Ethan jump more than a month before, that he had talked to USA Track & Field  about him. 

After they watched him again at the trials and researched his collegiate progress, they believe that Ethan can be on our Olympic Team headed to Brazil in 2016, representing the USA in the triple jump. Coach Joyner (representing USATF) gave us an open invitation to use the training center, all expenses paid.

Jumping at the trials was an incredible experience for Ethan, and now, he has incredible motivation for the years to come. Trading in the Blue and Orange of FPU for the Red, White and Blue of the USA isn't a bad proposition. Can't wait to see how and where God leads. Ethan deserves everything that is coming down his path. He has worked hard and done things right, honoring Christ each step of the way. I am really proud of him.

What was the atmosphere like up in Oregon compared to other big track meets you've competed at?

The atmosphere was so awesome. Everyone at the historic Hayward Field knows a lot about every single event in track and field. You never see that anywhere. The stadium was packed to the limit with people who were only there for track and field. It still blows my mind. the fans cheer and clap the entire time, and know when jumps and times are great.

Were you satisfied with your overall performance in the triple jump?

Considering the circumstances, I was proud of how I competed. Having strained my hamstring two weeks prior to the trials, I had lost some strength by the time I got to Eugene. Even so, I went out and competed the best that I could and came out ranked higher than I was coming into the meet. After my foul at outdoor nationals [a jump of 55' 2" that was called off], I know there is a lot of room for growth. I know I can compete with some of the top jumpers in the nation, and that is going to push me to become a better jumper in the next few years to come.

What was it like competing with and meeting some of the top jumpers in the country?

I got to compete with not only the best jumpers in the nation, but some of the best jumpers in the world. Will Claye, who jumped 17.55m (57'7"), jumped right before me in the prelims. It was insane. His jump of 17.55 puts him at the second farthest jump in the world this year. Christian Taylor, number one in the world this year, was in the first flight but also jumped out of his mind jumping a 17.63m. Although I didn't really get the opportunity to talk to many of the other jumpers, I had the opportunity to pray for them before we started competing. There wasn't a whole lot of time to talk with them after that, but I imagine I'll be seeing them all again real soon.

How did your time at Fresno Pacific prepare you for this challenge?

My time at FPU prepared me for the Olympic Trials in a lot more ways than just physically. When I first came to FPU, I was fighting a spiritual battle within myself that led me to question my convictions. I didn't know who I was anymore. That was when I went to Fiji with Athletes in Action and several other FPU teammates and rekindled my love for Christ and for myself. I was able to learn how to compete for Christ, an audience of one, rather than for others.

What are your plans for the next year?

I do plan to continue my training in the triple jump for the next few years, leading up to the 2016 Olympics. I am really excited for the time ahead in which I hope to continue using triple jump as a platform for Christ.

What advice would you give to current FPU track athletes and others hoping to someday reach this level?

The advice I would give to current athletes would be to continue chasing your dreams with the support of friends, family, and Christ. I never could have gotten where I am today had I decided to do everything on my own. I've always had help from teammates, who have turned out to be some of my closest friends, and family.