Mihambo claims Germany's first European Championship gold through a remarkable jump.
Malaika Mihambo, an Olympic champion in long jump, wins the European title at the Athletics Championships in Rome after jumping 7.22 meters in her second attempt. This impressive distance, which leads the world, helps Germany secure its first gold medal in the event.
Mihambo claimed the European crown once more, regaining the title she lost two years ago at the Munich Championships. Another German athlete, Mikaelle Assani, placed fourth with a jump of 6.91 meters. Assani, who achieved her personal best at the 3-meter-high platform set up at the Stadio Olimpico, just missed out on a podium spot.
Mihambo's triumph in Rome heightens her confidence ahead of the Olympic Games, as she aims to become the first long jumper in history to win two gold medals consecutively at the Paris event. Assani, who managed to improve her personal best in the final round, maintains hope of earning a medal in France.
Iapichino, an Italian athlete, landed second place with a 6.94-meter leap, followed by Agate de Sousa with the same distance but with a better second-best jump than Assani. Two years ago, Mihambo lost a chance at gold in the Munich Championships due to a coronavirus infection, ultimately securing the silver medal.
A new personal best for Mihambo
Before the Championships, Mihambo expressed her dedication to the event, acknowledging that the Summer Olympics would be the real highlight: "Paris, then in the summer, the actual peak will be set." Mihambo's performance in Rome marked her first time jumping over seven meters in a single leap this year.
Her coach, Uli Knapp, spoke positively about her jump on ZDF television, praising its near-perfection: "We've been waiting for a jump like this for three, four years. The intermediate mark was spot-on, the rhythm was right, and the jump itself was absolutely right at the board." Knapp also noted the last-minute change in weather conditions, commenting on a potential headwind of -1.4." Fortunately, it wasn't detrimental."
Laura Raquel Mueller failed to qualify, while defending champion and world champion Ivana Spanovic didn't participate in the event.
