Tori Franklin medals in the triple jump at worlds — a history-making comeback for the Westmont native after Olympic disappointment

Westmont native Tori Franklin became the first U.S. woman to medal in the triple jump at the track and field world championships, leaping to bronze Monday with a fifth attempt of 14.72 meters.

Reigning Olympic champion Yulimar Rojas of Venezuela won her third consecutive world title with a jump of 15.47 meters, while Jamaica’s Shanieka Ricketts won her second straight silver at 14.89. The competition is being held in Eugene, Ore.

Franklin’s historic finish marked a dramatic comeback for the Downers Grove South graduate, who spoke openly about her mental health struggles after she failed to reach the final at the Tokyo Olympics last year. After that disappointing result, she moved to Greece and began training with her third coach since 2020.

She finished second at the U.S. championships last month behind two-time Olympic finalist Keturah Orji. Orji finished sixth at the world championships after qualifying for the final.

A former All-American at Michigan State, a smiling Franklin, 29, took a victory lap with an American flag and then danced joyfully atop the medal stand with Rojas.

“It has been a long and tough couple of years for me,” she told reporters after the event. “I have gone through a lot and I am happy that I am finally competing to the best of my ability.

“It is so tough right now in our event because Rojas is just an amazing jumper and Shanieka always comes with this energy. I feel really blessed to be among these special women.”