Sam Trigg in action for the University of New Mexico (picture courtesy of Mike Mulcahy/UNM Athletics).

ERME Valley Harriers triple jumper Sam Trigg achieved his long-term goal of breaking the 16-metre barrier in Texas at the weekend.

Trigg, who is studying for a Masters degree at the University of New Mexico, went over 16 metres three times on his way to victory at the Longhorn Invitational Meet in Austin.

His best mark was 16.12m, but that was wind-assisted, as was a jump of 16.02m. However, he did record a legal effort of 16.05m.

Trigg enjoyed a tremendous sequence of jumping. His six efforts in Austin were 15.77m, 16.12m, 16.05m, 15.54m, 15.83m and 16.02m.

His performance in Texas saw him move up to fifth in the University of New Mexico’s all-time ranking list. He has also moved up to third in the 2017 UK rankings.

Trigg had set a new PB indoors in February, jumping 15.87m. Prior to moving to America, Trigg’s best was 15.74m.