Olympic long jump champion continues to prove to be one of world's best in multiple events

By Scott Bush, DyeStat Editor

Few track and field athletes in U.S. history have had the type of success as Tianna Bartoletta.

What makes Bartoletta such a unique athlete is her success not only on the track, but also in the field. A prime example of her talent was on display in Rio this past summer, when she not only won the long jump, but helped Team USA win the 4x100-meter relay. 

Bartoletta has long been considered one of the best sprinters and jumpers in the United States, but it's showcasing her unique event talents in one competition that truly allow her to shine. 

With the 2017 season well underway, Bartoletta is focused on proving herself against the best in the world once more. 

In a recent Athletics Weekly article, Bartoletta said:

“Every year starts back at zero and I still have to execute and prove myself for another year,” she says. “If I get to the final of the World Championships and don’t perform, nobody is going to say, ‘Oh well, at least once you were Olympic champion and world champion.’ Rather, they would say that I did not perform like an Olympic and world champion should have performed."

Bartoletta recently finished second to fellow American Brittney Reese in the long jump at the Prefontaine Classic, leaping a seasonal best of 22-5 (6.83m), which currently ranks her third in the world this season. She's now focused on competing Thursday in a tough and talented 100 at the Rome Golden Gala, the latest IAAF Diamond League contest.