Malaika Mihambo reports after collapse
It's a scary moment at the Olympic Games: Malaika Mihambo wins silver in the long jump, then collapses, is in tears, and needs a wheelchair. Hours later, she gives the all-clear and explains the events.
Olympic silver medalist Malaika Mihambo has given the all-clear after a worrying moment in a wheelchair. "I'm feeling better now. I'm really proud of myself," the 30-year-old said late in the evening at the press conference.
After the long jump final, she was pushed through the stadium's interior in a wheelchair by helpers. Pictures showed European champion Mihambo crying with her coach Ulli Knapp. She also appeared to be struggling with her neck. She had lung problems, Mihambo described. "I had to do breathing exercises the whole time, otherwise I wouldn't have made it through the competition."
She still feels tired and exhausted, she said after some recovery time. "Since Corona hit my lungs, I need more time to recover," said the long jumper. "It was the same as two years ago in Munich."
Back then, she won silver and collapsed exhausted after the competition. Two years ago, she was infected with Corona after winning the world title. This time, it hit her at the EM in Rome. After her title there, she was held back by a Corona infection. She still managed to get back in shape and won silver with 6.98 meters behind Tara Davis-Woodhall from the USA (7.10 meters).
"It's sad to see. It's overwhelming for her body. The spirit is always fresh, but the body can't keep up," said TV expert Frank Busemann on ARD. Mihambo needed some time before she could speak for herself. She sat on the podium at the press conference, with coach Ulli Knapp by her side, talking about the won silver medal and not the missed gold.
Before the dramatic pictures, the silver medalist had celebrated with the German flag and a medal. "They're all professionals. They should be carried out with their heads under their arms. They want to perform," Busemann added.
Despite the physical challenges she faced, Malaika Mihambo continued to excel in Athletics, securing another silver medal in the long jump at the Olympic Games. Despite collapsing after her victory, she rallied and overcame her lung problems, demonstrating her resilience and passion for the sport.
