Chris Benard

His early successes included winning the community college edition of the Mt SAC Relays in 2009 with a personal best in the triple jump, and achieving a silver medal at the 2012 NACAC Under-23 Championships. Benard turned professional in 2013, beginning a distinguished career representing the United States at the highest levels of international competition. His professional career quickly saw him establish new benchmarks, setting a personal record of 8.10m in the long jump at the 2014 USA Indoor Track and Field Championships and a personal record of 17.10m in the triple jump at the 2014 USA Outdoor Track and Field Championships. Benard earned his first selection for the United States Olympic team in 2016, following a third-place finish at the 2016 United States Olympic Trials, contributing to his subsequent Olympic debut.

That same year, he finished eleventh at the 2016 IAAF World Indoor Championships. Benard continued to build on his success in 2017, achieving a significant personal record in the triple jump of 17.48m on June 23. This performance was a highlight in a year that also saw him secure a strong sixth-place finish at the 2017 World Championships. His consistent presence on the international stage was further solidified with a silver medal at the 2018 NACAC Championships.

Overall, Benard has proudly represented Team USA nine times, across two Summer Olympics, four World Athletics Championships, and three NACAC Championships. In recent years, Benard has maintained his elite competitive standing. He earned a gold medal at the 2022 NACAC Championships, adding to his collection of international accolades. Demonstrating his sustained commitment to the sport, he most recently finished ninth at the 2023 World Championships, continuing to compete at the sport’s highest level.