We speak to the triple jumper who made history by leaping to gold at the recent British Indoor Championships aged just 16.
At one point in the men’s triple jump at the British Athletics Championships, the podium was only 50 years old. 16-year-old Tito Odunaike stood next to 17-year-old Harley Henry and Sean-Connor Attafo.
At the end of the competition, it was Odunaye who made history after clearing a golden best of 15.75m in the final round to replace the 1979 best. 200m winner Phil Brown as the youngest man ever to win a senior national title.
The Milton Keynes jumper has consistently risen through the ranks, already impressing at English schools and age groups, including a breakthrough performance of 16.01m at the England Under-20 Championships, which set a British Under-18 best.
Harrow School pupil Odunaike’s rapid development in this technical event marks him out as one of Britain’s most exciting young talents. With European Under-18s and World Under-20s on the calendar, his 2026 season promises to be the best to watch.
How did you first get into athletics?
I played a lot of soccer when I was younger, but I was always naturally fast. There was a lot of running around on school sports days and PE and I enjoyed it. Around the age of seven, my dad signed me up for an athletics club in Milton Keynes, and that’s when things got more serious. At first I was actually focused on distant events. I competed in cross country, 800m and 1500m and do some sprints on the side.
How did the triple jump come into the picture?
In year seven I took up the long jump after trying it out on school sports days. In my first proper athletics season, I did surprisingly well. Ranked joint sixth in the country at the under-13 level.
Shortly after that, I developed Osgood-Schlatter disease in both knees, especially the left, which was my long jump leg. That injury meant I couldn’t continue with the event. The following season, I began to explore other options.
I didn’t try the triple jump until year nine. I entered it for the first time in a school competition, did pretty well and decided to stick with it for the rest of the season. That year I made it to the English Schools Championships and came seventh.
How was your overall experience at the British Indoor Championships?
As a young athlete, I have not competed in major European events or competitions such as the Loughborough International, so I am not used to large stadium crowds. Seeing a proper stadium atmosphere was special. I also saw some huge names in athletics, Keely (Hodgkinson) running the 800m, Dina (Usher-Smith) warming up and it was inspiring. The runway itself was amazing. It was more responsive than what I’m used to and the track felt great underfoot. The crowd getting involved and clapping added to the whole experience.
Normally I wait until the fourth round to clap, but with that crowd I moved it to the second.
Were you surprised by the result or did you believe it was possible?
I knew I had a great chance going in because I had the lead mark in the field that season. But I was also aware that some of the other athletes had jumped much further in previous years. I knew they had the potential to produce something big. I felt confident, but I also knew I had to be my best.
What does a typical training week look like?
I’m at a boarding school in Harrow. When I’m there, I train about 20 minutes away with trainer Dave Johnson. There are several talented jumpers in the group, which creates a strong training environment.
I work out with the group once or twice a week and the rest of the week I follow Dave’s written plan. My school has its own track and gym which makes everything convenient. I usually train four to five times a week, combining technical training, running work and strength training.
How do you find athletics balancing boarding school life?
I actually find it easier than when I’m at home. Everything at school is within five minutes – track, gym, even physio if I need it. That convenience makes a big difference.
At home, I had to drive to the gym or track, which adds time and effort. Being surrounded by the amenities I need really helps me stay consistent.
What are your big goals for this year?
The two main competitions are the European Under-18 Championship in July and the World Under-20 Championship in Oregon in August. I want to win the European Under-18 Championship. I think I have a great chance to do very well there. If I qualify for the U20 World Championship, I would like to come away with a medal.
