Track and Field Sports - Boundary-pushing Mihambo reflects on German possibilities
Olympic long jump champion Malaika Mihambo intends to carry on with her athletic career until the 2028 Olympics. The 30-year-old shared with the German Press Agency,"I aim to stick with performance sports at least until 2028. Anything after that is still far off and open for me." She hasn't set any specific career goals for herself yet.
Mihambo was unable to participate in the World Championships in 2021 due to an injury. She is one of Germany's biggest prospects for the 2022 European Championships in Rome, which will take place from Friday to Wednesday. "It's always about the day when the winner is decided," stated Mihambo.
Mihambo anticipates a prosperous year for athletics
Mihambo anticipates more success for athletics this year, but thinks patience is necessary for long-term improvement. "There are certain events where the level has improved. For example, in women's long jump, where Laura Raquel Müller, Mikaelle Assani, and Maryse Luzolo have begun the season strongly. The men also have eight-meter jumpers again," proclaimed the three-time "Sports Person of the Year."
"Certainly, there could be more victories this year. But to enhance the depth in athletics again, we need to consider a more extended timeframe. Maybe it will work until the 2028 or 2032 Olympics. The significance that personal bests without a medal hold needs to be acknowledged once more."
The tenth anniversary of her European Championships debut
In 2012, Mihambo made her European Championship debut in Zurich and finished fourth. "It was a remarkable show. It was an intense competition and a borderline experience," she recalls. "I'm grateful I competed there. The competition also assisted me in better understanding my limits."
Remembering the "borderline experience" from the 2012 German EM event
Two years ago, Mihambo finished second at the German EM extravaganza in Munich, which was undermined by a Covid-19 infection. "That was a memorable performance. It was an intense competition and a borderline experience," said Mihambo. "I'm glad I participated. The competition also helped me to better comprehend my own limitations."
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Mihambo shares her aspirations to compete in the 2028 Olympic Games in Olympia, represented by Germany. Despite missing the World Championships in 2021 due to an injury, she is expected to make a strong impact at the 2022 European Championships in Rome. Reminiscing about her European Championship debut in Zurich in 2012, Mihambo recalls a "borderline experience" that challenged her limits. In a recent German EM event, Mihambo again faced a "borderline experience," finishing second despite a Covid-19 infection. Malaika Mihambo continues to be a prominent figure in German athletics, with her sights set on further success and personal bests.
In Budapest, the German Press Agency reported on Mihambo's aspirations and the current state of athletics in Germany. Mihambo's home region of Bavaria and Baden-Württemberg are both sources of talent in the sport, contributing to Germany's podium contenders. With successful performances taking place in various athletic events, such as women's long jump and men's eight-meter jumpers, the future of German athletics presents promise and excites fans, even as they anticipate the 2028 and 2032 Olympic Games in Paris.
