Pierre Francois - Haiti Observer Blog

Haitian Pierre Francois wants to compete at 2015 Pan Am Games (PAG) in Toronto. He has been working with his coach, Pete Charles, at Lehman College. Although at six foot three, with natural athleticism and strength that will bring him farther into the triple jump pit, he still needs a masterful technique to develop consistency during competitive jumping rounds.

Francois's journey to the precipice of the PAG began uncertainly in Haiti, where as a boy he took a natural liking to running and jumping in the hilly slopes around his neighborhood. But his sights were set on playing soccer. However, no soccer leagues existed in those days, and only pickup games could be played. At the age of 15, fate intervened when his father decided on a move to New York, which opened up a world of opportunities for Francois in the Bronx. He learned the triple jump at DeWitt Clinton High School, during which he set a new record for the triple jump.

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