Who Is Karson Gordon? From Being UCLA’s Quarterback to Breaking 44-Year-Old National Triple Jump Record

Karson Gordon has become one of the most accomplished collegiate track and field athletes. With his triple-jumping prowess, he astonished the crowd on many occasions. Besides achieving the Gatorade Texas Track and Field Athlete of the Year honor, he has notched several accomplishments in the Track & Field realm.

Episcopal High School senior Gordon recently shone brightly at the Clyde Littlefield Texas Relays in Austin by shattering the 44-year-old national triple jump record. Gordan has outstanding achievements and record-setting accolades.

Karson Gordon celebrates his win

Taking to his official X handle, Karson Gordon celebrated his recent victory. Along with sharing a short clip of his eye-catching performance in the triple jump, he shared the details of his latest triumph. Karson captioned the post as, “New national NFHS record holder. 🚨 53 feet 1 inch 🚨 Came off two hamstring strains in each leg. Stayed down. Always trust the process. #GoKnights #GoBruins @TTFCA, @NFHS_Org, @jlelites, @voltpt_, @3_AM_26, @UCLATrack_Field, @EHSHouston, @EHSSports.”

As the post mentions, Gordon stunned the crowd by recording an impressive mark of 53 feet, 1 ½ inches on his third strive on March 30. With this win, he has become a new national record holder in the triple jump. Previously around 44 years ago, back in 1980, Charles Mayfield from Pasadena Muir (Calif.) High School set the record of 52 feet-10 ½ inches.

Gordon’s successful trajectory and commitment to UCLA

In addition to being named the 2022–23 Gatorade Texas Boys Track & Field Player of the Year for Texas State, he also claimed the national championship in the triple jump. He achieved this honor at the Nike Outdoor Nationals with a mark of 51 feet, 4 ¼ inches. He posted his personal best attempt of 51 feet, 5 ¾ inches at Texas Clyde Littlefield Relays in 2023.

Gordon signed with the UCLA football program as a quarterback in 2023. he also disclosed the reason for committing to UCLA in an interview with On3, remarking that “UCLA just has everything honestly. Big-time football, moving to the Big Ten next year, with top-tier competition. Their track team is always very competitive in the national scene”. Hence, choosing UCLA was an obvious decision for Gordon.

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