Or at least that's what it takes if they want to be amongst the best sprint hurdlers in the world.
American Jeff and Brit Tiffany met at the University of Michigan and tied the knot in 2011, making them arguably the best hurdling couple ever. In 2014 Tiff, as she is known to her friends, was crowned European Champion after putting together a faultless display over three rounds in Zurich. Two years before that they were both semi-finalists at London 2012, but was it strange to be on opposing teams?
“I would say it was really special and just nice to be able to experience the Olympics with him” said Tiff. “Even though we were representing different countries and were in different parts of the village, the fact that we were both there at the same time and competing in the same event was something spectacular” added Jeff. “It'll definitely be a story to tell our kids” concluded the former, with the duo's connection evident even from the way they answer questions together.
So far 2015 has been remarkably consistent for Tiffany, with third place finishes in the IAAF Diamond League meetings in Doha, Rome & Birmingham. She's also run more 12.6 second clockings so far this season than any other year in her career, something which she describes as the perfect platform to build from.
“I've been running consistently, which is encouraging as that always sets me up nicely for the championships. I've actually been running consistently whilst making some massive mistakes so when I put my race together it'll be good and I'm excited for the season.”
Tiffany is part of an all star, multi-disciplinary coaching group under the guidance of American Rana Reider. Training with the likes of Olympic triple jump champion Christian Taylor and British long jump record holder Shara Proctor means Reider has to work doubly hard to provide programmes that are tailored to suit the needs of each individual and their event.
“We have a really good energy right now and I think we mesh together really well. The fact that it's a small intimate group helps with friendships off the track as well, so it's great and I'm really enjoying it. Rana is good – the numbers don't lie. He has a number of medallists every year so we make a good team.”
For Mr Porter it's all about recapturing the form that saw him take a surprise spot on the USA team for London 2012. His 13.08 clocking on that perfect day at Hayward Field came at a price though – plenty of cuts and bruises as he threw himself across the line to earn himself a spot on the Olympic team.
“It's actually something I worked on at a French meet two weeks before the US Championships” laughs Porter. “I was joking with some of my competitors before the trials, as we knew it was going to be close, so I told them I'd dive if it was close as I didn't want to leave anything on the track. The fact that I actually did that was nothing short of amazing! I'm hoping I won't have to do it again to make the USA team for the World Championships but at least I know it's in the tank.”
So does that mean Jeff is the more committed of the two?
“Well I've actually broken a shoulder leaning through the line, so I think I have him beaten” insists Tiffany. You can tell it's all fun and games in the Porter household.
So what will make a successful day at the office for the couple at tomorrow's Adidas Grand Prix? As an Adidas poster girl, Tiffany will hope to improve on her string of third place finishes already this year, with her best finish at the Ichan Stadium third, of course. Jeff boasts a second place finish in 2012 but after a brace of third place finishes last weekend in Birmingham, bragging rights are up for grabs on Saturday afternoon.
“The goal is to win and run a personal best and/or a season's best – it's a pretty stacked field so I'm looking forward to it” states Jeff. “The goal is always to make the team and I think I'm rounding into shape at the right time. These last couple of races in Rome and Birmingham have prepared me well and I think I'm ready to make the team; this is actually the fastest I've run this early so I'm pretty happy.”
For Tiffany it's business as usual.
“I go into every race looking to win so this won't be any different. It's going to be a good race and I think if the weather cooperates it's going to be great. It's a great facility and Adidas takes great care of us so I'm just looking forward to going out there and putting on a show and hopefully putting together a full race.”
With track and field a profession and a hobby for both husband and wife, Jeff admit's it can be hard to switch off when training is done for the day.
“We try our best to do it but it takes up so much of our life that we actually have to remind each other to turn track off and talk about something else. We like watching movies and date night is always a popular one in the Porter household.”
The hurdles talent doesn't stop there though, as Tiffany's sister Cindy Ofili is also a quality hurdler in her own right. A number of years ago Porter joked that 'the day my baby sister beats me is the day I retire from track and field'!
When reminded of that comment, Porter says with a smile:
“I'm doing everything in my power not to eat those words. She's running so well.”
Flourishing in the NCAA system, Saturday is a big day for the Michigan star too, who once again looks to follow in her sister's footsteps and take victory in the NCAA final. She may also have half an eye on the school record of 12.73, held by a certain Tiffany Ofili.
Pete Matthews for the IAAF Diamond League
