BEIJING, China - With one jump to go in the men's triple jump final on Thursday at the IAAF World Championships, Drake Relays alumni Christian Taylor uncorked an American record leaping 59-09 to claim the gold medal for the USA.

Taylor, who won the Drake Relays triple jump exhibition in 2013 and set the stadium record in 2011 while competing for Florida at the NCAA DI Championship, was sitting in second place before he nailed his winning jump.  He broke the American record of 59-4.25 set by Kenny Harrison in 1996. 

In hurdle finals contested this morning, the 2014 Drake Relays elite men's 110m hurdles champion, Hansle Parchment of Jamaica, claimed the bronze in that event in 13.03 squeaking by world record holder and Relays veteran Aries Merritt of the USA who finished fourth in 13.04.

In the women's 100m hurdles, Drake Relays alum Brianna Rollins placed fourth in 12.67 and Tiffany (Ofili) Porter, the 2008 Relays U/C 100m hurdles champ, placed 5th in 12.68.

Competition at the Bird's Nest continues through Sunday.