In 1963, while Neil Armstrong was dreaming of his iconic small step on the moon, a young Robin Cariappa was perfecting his giant leaps on earth. That was for the triple jump (hop, step and jump) event at the annual MysoreUniversity Sports Meet.
His remarkable leap of 49 feet and 11.5 inches (approx.15.22 meters) not only brought him immense joy but also set a university and state record. Although his state record was surpassed 27 years later by a mere 0.1 cm, the Mysore University record stands unbroken.
In Athletics he stood tall
Robin Cariappa, a protege of the legendary Decathlon champion Dr. C M Muthaiah, was India’s number one in triple jump and an ace hockey player who missed representing India at the 1964 Tokyo Olympics, both in athletics and hockey. In triple jump, he missed qualifyingby a mere six inches.
SPORTS WAS HIS PASSION
Robin Cariappa played for Mysore University from 1960 to 1964, captained the University athletics as well as hockey teams and was vice captain of the Mysore State Hockey team. He took part at national hockey competitions including Beighton Cup and Aga Khan Cup during the period.
He anchored a win in the 4×100 Relay race at a Mysore Dasara Festival Games with Ravi Mani, Kenneth Powell and Rajshekaran.
HONOURS FOR AN UNBROKEN RECORDÂ
In 2015, officials at the University of Mysore’s Physical Education department recognised and honoured M.A. Robin Cariappa for this outstanding achievement. His university record was unbroken.
Years later he represented the state at the National Veterans Athletic meet and took part in the Second Asian Veterans Athletic Championship in New Delhi.
MORE THAN A WHOLE IN ONE!
A keen athlete even till his last decade on the planet, his passion for golf and tennis made his triple jump achievements less known. He was captain of the Southern India Addicts Golfing Society with around 1200 members from South India and successfully organised tournaments for them. He also achieved ahole-in-one at a ‘Johnnie Walker’ Golf Tournament in Bangalore.
Even when back in his home town Ammathi, he didn’t hang up his boots. At 75, he played for the Muckatira family in the Kodava Family Hockey tournament in Kodagu.
THEÂ SHOWÂ MUSTÂ GO ON
The triple jump, often described as an athletic ballet, is a dazzling display of power, precision, and rhythm that has fascinated sports enthusiasts for over a century. It combines three distinct movements: the hop, the step, and the jump- each flowing seamlessly into the next, like a meticulously choreographed dance. The event demands not just raw athleticism but also a deep understanding ofbiomechanics, as athletes must master the art of converting horizontal speed into vertical lift with perfect timing.
This unique blend of grace and grit makes the triple jump a captivating spectacle, showcasing human potential andpushing the boundaries of physical performance. The triple jump continues to be a testament to the timeless allure of sport and the relentless pursuit of excellence.
Let Robin Cariappa’s triple jump success inspire our young athletes to hop, step and jump to glory!
