FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. – Most would consider winning one medal at a world championship event an outstanding achievement. So when Northern Arizona University assistant jumps coach Roderick Townsend traveled to Qatar last week to compete for the United States in the International Paralympic Championships and dominated each event he participated in, bringing home four medals including a gold in the men's high jump, one would think he'd be satisfied with his performance.

"I was hoping things would go better," said Townsend. "I didn't have my best performance, but not everyone is going to have their best performance [on a stage like that]. Things were a bit shaky, every event I did could have been a whole lot better."

Despite his critical evaluation, Townsend—the newest addition to the NAU Track and Field coaching staff—showcased his skills in the men's triple jump, high jump, long jump and the 4x100 relays over the world championships' 10-day span. A graduate of Boise State, Townsend earned silver in three of the four events, while also setting an American world record in the triple jump (14.49m) and the world championship record in the high jump (2.03m).

"The main thing [my coaches and I] wanted to do was go in and get some medals and really be able to get a feel for how it would be to compete in Rio next year," said Townsend. "I was just trying to take in all the experiences I could as far as competing…and I am really excited to able to say that I learned a lot as far as what I plan on doing for next year at the Paralympic games."

Townsend followed his debut world championship performance in the triple jump by securing another silver medal, this time in the men's long jump. After his first two attempts in the event, Townsend nailed his third try and recorded a 7.08m mark for second place.

Even with all the personal success he achieved in those first three individual events, Townsend says it was the fourth and final event—the men's 4x100 relays—that he will look back on as the most rewarding experience of the world championships.

"The high jump went well, triple jump could have gone a lot better, long jump could have gone a lot better...but just the team aspect of being in the relay, I think, is why it's the event that stands out the most," said Townsend. "We all represent team U.S.A., but when you're actually together and working with each other like that, it just makes for a whole new experience. We are definitely a team that has a shot at breaking the world record again, so we're all really excited to just know that's the potential we have."

For Townsend, competing in the International Paralympic Championships is just another step toward the ultimate goal of participating the 2016 Paralympic Games in Rio De Janeiro. In the meantime, Townsend is keeping everything in perspective and learning to appreciate every competition.

"Everything is practice leading up to Rio, no matter how big or small the competition," said Townsend. "[The IPC Athletes World Championships] is a great venue to be able to practice at, but it's definitely given a lot of us an idea of what to expect next year for Rio, especially the newer guys who haven't been on circuits. It's a great experience, and it's a whole lot of fun. It's something that I will be able to remember for the rest of my life."