Daniel Matheny Hewitt Challenge – Two Hops and a Jump

The Daniel Matheny Hewitt Challenge

Two Hops and a Jump

In his memoirs, Jasper Hewitt wrote of his brother Daniel, “I do not remember many events in Daniel’s life at home as he married when I was yet in my seventh year. I do remember how fine he looked dressed up and with peg-heeled red tight-fitting boots that fit like a glove with his trousers inside. These heels stood well under the boot so the track on the ground was as small as a child’s foot. These were hand-made and in the style for dashing young men and were made of calf (hide). He also had a family failing — he was a wonderful athlete, could beat all from far and near at two hops and a jump running.” [sons of Henry Hewitt and Elizabeth Matheny Hewitt]

‘Two hops and a jump’ has been a track and field event in the modern Olympic Games since its inception in 1896.  It was subsequently known as ‘hop, step, and jump’ and is now known as the ‘triple jump’ with the actions matching the names.

The goal is to cover. as much horizontal distance as possible by two hops (on one foot) and a jump (on two feet) in succession after a running start.  Competition is open to entries from wherever you are.  Just post photos or videos with your distance on the Facebook group, HMC Family, or email them to newsletter@hmcfamily.org.

Extra points for doing it in red, tight-fitting boots with peg heels!

Tobias Williams at 2008 Reunion covering 28 feet 6 inches.

This fun competition has been part of the Reunion activities since 2008. Brad Kerr took it over from Brian Hewitt, who is Daniel Matheny Hewitt’s great grandson.

The overall record is held by Devereaux Clark at 30.5 feet. Does anyone have a picture of this record-breaking jump?

Doris Shelburne White at 2013 Reunion with Brad Kerr. [James Andrew Hewitt descendants]

The eldest competitor was Doris Shelburne White in 2013 at age 79.  Her distance was three feet.

Jacob Ayers, winner at the 2019 Reunion at 26.25 feet.

One of Brian Hewitt’s sons making the “hop-skip-and-a-jump” at the 2008 reunion

“If I can do it, anybody can.” Barbara Kerr 2008

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