Instead of going for his final jump, Charles Godfred chose to celebrate his win, making a short run and a backflip onto the sand, celebrating one of two medals on a big night at the Big Ten championships.
Charles Godfred becomes the first man since 2014 to win THREE STRAIGHT Big Ten long jump championships.
Charles Godfred opened this year’s conference championships with a wind-legal 7.94m (26-0 3/4).
He won with a jump of 7.99 in his second attempt, finishing ahead of Quincy Isaac on 7.89 and Sincere Robinson in third with 7.88m.
The win provides Godfred with relief and a time to speak about his legacy among the greats.
“It has been God all through, been a three-time champion. It’s good (to be in the same conversation with Carl Lewis), it’s all about patience and self-discipline. When God’s in charge.”
In three championship performances, Godfred has won despite passing on 38.5 percent (5 of 18) of his total jumps.
NIGERIA’S FINEST 〽️🇳🇬 Charles Godfred claimed his third-straight @bigten long jump title with his second attempt 7.99 (26-2 3/4) 🔥
In 3️⃣ championship performances Godfred has won despite passing on 38.5 percent (5 of 18) of his total jumps 🏆🏆🏆 #SkiUMah pic.twitter.com/hn243X4Hra
— Minnesota Cross Country, Track & Field (@GopherCCTF) May 17, 2026
Subsequently, Godfred also won bronze in the 100m for the University of Minnesota at the Big 10 championships.
Another Nigerian, Emmanuel Njoku, with a distance of 7.39, finished in 10th position.