Back in December, Gyorffy had been contacted by a Hungarian National Team coach while at home for winter break. The coach informed her that if she was able to beat 1.94 at the NCAA championships, she would likely earn a spot on the Olympic team. A jump of 1.92 is regarded as the international standard.
In a fashion typical of the year she has had, Gyorffy went above and beyond what was needed. Her NCAA record-tying 1.97 leap virtually assured her of a spot on the team. Subsequent exchanges with the coaching staff in Hungary confirmed the news, and Gyorffy was ecstatic.
"When I first heard about making the Olympic team, I was really happy," Gyorffy said. "But after that I stopped and said to myself, 'Wow. I have so much work to do in the next few months.'"
A significant portion of Gyorffy's hectic pre-Olympic schedule will be continuing workouts and meets with the Harvard women's track team. She will be an active and vital component of the Crimson's success this spring, and plans on competing in at least four of the team's remaining meets.
In a move that speaks volumes about her dedication to the team, Gyorffy also will continue to compete in the triple jump in at least two of those contests.
"The high jump and triple jump are very similar events to train for," Gyorffy said. "I hope I can help the team in that category at Yale and at Heps."
Penn will host the outdoor Heps in mid-May. Gyorffy feels that the team will be able to garner a second Ivy League championship.
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