Tianna Madison

Title: Past SPIRE Track & Field Ambassador

Long jump and short sprint champion Tianna Madison has joined SPIRE Institute and Academy (IA) as an International Track and Field ambassador. In her new position, the world champion, two-time Olympian and published author will lead programs for SPIRE’s student athletes — virtually as well as during her on-campus visits.

I believe every experience — positive or negative — shapes us into a better version of ourselves. With the right mindset, circumstance can be a powerful teacher that enables our growth, refines our character, and makes us stronger. I find purpose in the struggle and am dedicated to a life of betterment through resiliency and empathy. My position as a SPIRE ambassador will give me the opportunity to share that philosophy.
– Tianna Madison

Tianna Madison attended Ohio public schools, including Elyria High School. She earned a spot on the 2003 USA TODAY All-USA High School Girls Track Team, becoming only the third athlete in Ohio history to win four events at a state championship meet two years in a row. In both the 2012 and 2016 Summer Olympics, she led the US team to gold in the 4 x 100m relays, taking her third gold in 2016 with a personal best in the long jump. She attended the University of Tennessee where she holds the record for best all-time mark of 6.89m in the outdoor long jump.

Back to Leadership

Track Class with Tianna B

Tianna Bartoletta goes over long jump drills to improve proper takeoff mechanics.

 

Tianna will walk you through how to approach the long jump board and take off with proper mechanics

Learn how to properly setup your blocks on a turn

Learn how to properly perform A skips, and put them into your everyday warmup routine

Learn how to properly execute B skips, and put them into your everyday warmup routine

Sit Down Interview

A conversation with SPIRE International Track and Field Ambassasador Tianna B and her parents, Jo Ann and Robert Madison, about they did right (and wrong) raising a future Olympian. Filmed on site at SPIRE Institute and Academy.

Here is the full interview with Tianna and her parents.

Cross Sport

Elizabeth Beisel shows Tianna a thing or two on what it takes to become an olympic swimmer.

Tianna takes her talents to the basketball court. We see just how similar basketball and long jump actually are.