Missouri coach Iliyan Chamov reflected on the the training and talent of star triple jumpers Sterling Scott and Euphenie Andre.
Coach Iliyan Chamov’s goal is simple.
“I’m looking to recruit the best in the world.”
The Missouri horizontal and high jumps coach’s approach is bold, but his program’s talent matches his expectations. Last fall, Missouri sent two jumpers to the Pan American games. This spring, several jumpers dot the national and international rankings and will look to medal at the SECs, NCAAs, Paris and beyond. Yes, Paris, as in Missouri may send several Tigers to the Olympic trials. More on that later though, because Chamov’s perspective on the Olympics may refresh your own, as it did mine.
To recruit world-class talent, Chamov prioritizes more than competitive rankings. He values respectful athletes who devote themselves to their academic careers. There’s no need to put on a show to persuade athletes to join Missouri’s program.
“Most of the time, I’m saying ‘no’ because I’m seeing factors that aren’t well developed in their base performance, or their habits, behaviors or their academics,” Chamov said. But when an athlete’s character complements Chamov’s values, a world-class connection is formed.
I’m pleased to introduce two of Mizzou’s world-class jumpers (and people) below.
Sterling Scott (Triple Jump):
The true freshman’s jumps impress on the collegiate and international stage. Scott’s outdoor 15.64m PB ties for 23rd overall in D1, and his indoor 16.14m PB ranks fourth in the WORLD in the under-20 men’s triple jump category.
“We’re expecting him to be one of the top jumpers…in the world,” Chamov said. He will have a chance to earn that title soon; he already qualified for the World Juniors Championship in Peru this August.
Scott caught Chamov’s attention his junior year of high school. The former soccer star didn’t begin to compete in triple jump until the “last few years of high school,” but he came by the sport naturally. His father Andre Scott coaches the women’s jumps team at Ole Miss and is friends with Chamov. Sterling’s results caught Chamov’s eye, but his character struck the coach most of all.
“When we met, I saw an absolutely intelligent person, (who’s) very, very mature for his age,” Chamov said.
Scott was the youngest triple jumper at the NCAA Indoor Championships. As he prepares for the NCAA Outdoors and the World Juniors, Chamov is mindful of progressing Scott’s training safely.
“He’s got a long season ahead of him,” Chamov said.
Nevertheless, Chamov is excited to help Scott refine his form and reach his goals.
“We opened the doors; he’s expected to walk through them,” said Scott’s coach.
Euphenie Andre (Triple Jump):
Euphenie competed at the Pan American games in the triple jump this fall, and her 12.94m outdoor season best ranks 25th in the country. Additionally, she received the AD Leadership Award at the MU Athletics’ 2024 “ROARs.”
The AD Leadership Award has been awarded to Euphenie Andre!#MIZ #ROARS24 pic.twitter.com/K4glr6l9TX
— Mizzou Athletics (@MizzouAthletics) April 23, 2024
I learned her story this fall when we partnered for an NIL marketing project, so I’m a little biased. During our first interview, I jotted down “confident” and then underlined it several times. Euphenie radiates unapologetic confidence.
“I want to be a household name,” she told me. I believe she will be.
Euphenie is one of those people who’s genuinely cool to me because she understands her own worth and wants to empower other people to understand their value. Her new podcast, “Eff It Up” gives her a platform to do just that. The show helps listeners “tune into the untold stories of your favorite athletes.” Listen to her first episode here.
After meeting Euphenie, I’ve followed her season closely. Euphenie didn’t compete in the indoor season while managing an injury. Chamov noted she was likely ready to compete at the SEC Indoor Championships, but he “decided not to take that risk,” again emphasizing her health as priority No. 1. He assessed the impact of her injury well.
“Injuries set up the athlete for two things: they set up the athlete for future failure, or they set up for future successes,” Chamov said.
Euphenie continues to earn those successes. She placed first at the Beach Invitational and will be primed for the podium at SECs. Chamov noted she’s “hungrier than ever” and dedicated to doing all the little things right.
“She understands what she has to do, not only during practice but also outside of practice as a high level athlete,” Chamov said.
Remember my Olympics teaser?
I asked Chamov if the 2024 Olympics are in the conversation for Euphenie.
“Olympics are in the conversation for everybody,” he replied.
Well, it’s hard to argue with that. Then Chamov continued.
“I don’t want the Olympic games to be like the beginning or end point for any professional athlete. The Olympic games is just one part of the process, just one dot on the line.”
He explained there are many other championships, including the Pan American Games, World Championships and North American Championships, whose titles are just as worthy and more accessible since they take place more often. If an athlete’s training timeline, including when they’re planning to “peak” and PR, aligns with Olympic trial timing, great, but if not, that’s okay. He doesn’t want an Olympic title to “define” any athlete’s success.
For Euphenie in particular, Chamov hopes to seize whatever opportunity is in front of them, and “make her jump as far as possible.”
Whether Euphenie and Sterling compete in Paris, their character and training poise them for greatness no doubt, or, as Euphenie says, “Point. Blank. Period.”