Michael Nepinak

Michael Nepinak (born May 3, 1953) is a Canadian former track and field athlete who competed in triple jump and is a member of the Pine Creek First Nation. He excelled in his sport while attending the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. In 1978 he set a new Canadian record in triple jump at the Commonwealth Games with a jump of 16.24 metres; this record stood for eight years until it was broken by George Wright in 1987. In 1980, he was named to the Canadian Olympic Team for the 1980 Summer Olympics in Moscow, Russia. He was twice champion at the Canadian Track and Field Championships, winning in 1978 and 1980.

Career

University of Pennsylvania Michael Nepinak became a star track and field athlete while attending the University of Pennsylvania in 1977. As a third year student, Nepinak set an Ivy League outdoor track and field record in the triple jump, with a jump of 16.02 metres. During the next indoor season he continued his dominance, breaking the indoor record with a jump of 15.85 metres. One of Nepinak's biggest honours was when he was named to All-American status as he was voted the Outstanding Performer of the Heptagonal Indoor meet in 1978. This performance also stood for twenty-four years as the University of Pennsylvania's outdoor triple jump record before being passed by Tuan Wreh in 2002. This performance still stands 2nd overall at the University of Pennsylvania.

1980 Summer Olympics In 1980, Nepinak became a member of Canada's Olympic Team. Unfortunately, Nepinak was never able to compete in the Olympics due to the boycott over the Soviet–Afghan War.

Results Year Competition Location Result 1976 Canadian Track and Field Championships Regina 15.05m 1977 Canadian Track and Field Championships Sudbury 15.62m 1978 Canadian Track and Field Championships Montreal 15.28m 1979 Canadian Track and Field Championships Sherbrooke 15.26m

Awards and achievements In 2002, Nepinak was a National Aboriginal Achievement Award recipient.