European Championships
Malaika Mihambo on EM gold course in the long jump
Confident: Olympic champion Malaika Mihambo is on course for gold in the long jump in Munich. photo
© Sven Hoppe/dpa
Long jump Olympic champion Malaika Mihambo has set course for the desired European Championship gold medal with an outstanding pre-combat distance.
Long jump Olympic champion Malaika Mihambo has set course for the desired European Championship gold medal with an outstanding pre-combat distance.
The 28-year-old jumped 6.99 meters in the Munich Olympic Stadium – that would have been enough to win the title at the European Championships in Berlin four years ago. “You can definitely feel the atmosphere. It was a super great atmosphere,” said Mihambo, who was loudly applauded by the audience.
Mihambo’s start at the European Championships had been questionable after a corona illness. Nothing was noticeable in their convincing preliminary fight. “I think I’m fitter today than I was last week,” said Mihambo.
After an invalid first attempt, she showed strength in the second round. “6.99 speaks for itself somewhere,” said the athlete from the LG Kurpfalz on the stadium microphone when she was asked about her condition. However, she still notices that after her infection she is more tired than usual after the units.
Mihambo successfully defended her 2019 title at the World Championships in Eugene. Now she wants to celebrate her second European Championship victory in Munich. The medals will be awarded on Thursday. “Having an extra day to regenerate is ideal for me in my starting position,” said the three-time athlete of the year.
In addition to Mihambo, Merle Homeier (Göttingen) qualified in twelfth place for the final with 6.49 meters. It wasn’t enough for Mikaelle Assani (Karlsruhe) and Maryse Luzolo (Königstein). Second best in qualifying was Maryna Bech-Romanchuk from Ukraine with 6.87 meters.