There are still landmark achievements to come in figure skating. As the discipline evolves, the number of quadruple jumps is increasing; but there is one that has never yet been performed: the quadruple Axel, already the most difficult jump as a triple. Nathan Chen, the 2018 world champion and quad specialist, does not think anyone will achieve this anytime soon. 

On 6 February 1972, Yukio Kasaya became Japan’s first ever champion at the Olympic Winter Games, with a comfortable victory in the normal hill event at the Miyanomori Ski Jump Stadium in Sapporo. For a country which, until that point, could boast only one winter medal, in Alpine skiing, this proved to be a historic day, as Akitsugu Konno and Seiji Aochi joined their compatriot on the podium for a remarkable triple success.

Los Angeles 1932-Triple Jump-NAMBU Chuhei (JPN) 1st.

Los Angeles 1932-Triple jump-NAMBU Chuhei (JPN) 1st.

Berlin 1936-Triple jump-TAJIMA Naoto (JPN) 1st.

Amsterdam 1928-Triple jump-ODA Mikio (JPN) 1st.

Athens 1896-Athletics-Triple jump-CONNOLLY James (USA)1st.

London 2012 - Tosin Oke of Nigeria wears bib number 2573 and a bit of sand as he emerges from the pit in men’s triple jump.

London 2012 - US athletes Will Claye (L) and Christian Taylor (R) pose for photos after winning the silver and gold respectively in the triple jump.

London 2012 - Benjamin Compaore competes in men’s triple jump for France.