Tiger of the Week: Tora Harris ’02

Tora Harris '02 started June 28 with a simple message on his Twitter feed : "Nice day for jumping." Five hours later, the former Princeton high-jump star sent a follow-up that verified his first impression: "1st place! National champ again." Harris had cleared the bar at 2.31 meters (7 feet, 7 inches) to win the high jump at the USA Track and Field National Championships in Eugene, Ore. Along with the national title, Harris earned a bid to the world championships in Berlin this August. Harris showed remarkable talent at Princeton, winning seven Ivy Heps championships and sweeping the NCAA indoor and outdoor high jump titles as a senior. He has continued to excel after college, competing in the 2004 Olympics in Athens and winning national titles in 2006 (outdoor) and 2007 (indoor). Harris told USA Track and Field that his latest win, in windy conditions, required making adjustments throughout the competition. He was one of four competitors to clear 2.28 meters (topping the mark on his third and final try), and he made the winning 2.31-meter jump on his second attempt. "I was just hanging in there and staying tough," he said. (Photo courtesy USA Track and Field)   Do you have a nominee for Tiger of the Week? Let us know. All alumni qualify. PAW's Tiger of the Week is selected by our staff, with help from readers like you.