Track and field sports - Mihambo shares thoughts on "close encounter" and German prospects.
Olympic champion Malaika Mihambo doesn't plan to keep competing in her athletic career after the 2028 Games. "I'd like to participate in performance sports until 2028," she said. "What comes after that is still vague and uncertain."
The athlete from LG Kurpfalz missed the World Championships in Budapest last year because of an injury. At the European Championships happening right now in Rome, she's amongst Germany's top hopes for medals, alongside the Paris Olympics in August. "Success depends on the day. It's on that specific day when we'll find out who wins," Mihambo said.
Mihambo anticipates a prosperous year for athletics
Following a zero-medal performance by Germany at the World Championships in Budapest, Mihambo envisions better results this year - though it may not be immediate. "Some events are witnessing an uptrend, like the women's long jump with Laura Raquel Müller, Mikaelle Assani, and Maryse Luzolo. The men also have jumpers capable of breaking the eight-meter mark," said the three-time "Sports Person of the Year."
"There's certainly potential for more achievements in individual events and with certain athletes this year. But to significantly improve performance overall, you need to look towards a longer duration. Maybe it'll pan out by the 2028 or 2032 Olympics. But we should also acknowledge that personal bests without a medal are important."
Mihambo commemorates the anniversary of her EM debut
One decade after her European Championship debut in Zurich, where she finished fourth, Mihambo regards the current title battles in Rome as a small anniversary. "It was an unforgettable experience. It was a highly intense competition and a borderline situation," she expressed. "I'm glad I was part of it. The competition also helped me better understand my limits."
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Malaika Mihambo shares her enthusiasm for the Olympic Games in Paris, as it's one of Germany's major athletics events in August. Despite her anticipated retirement in 2028, she looks forward to witnessing the growth of German athletes, particularly in long jump events, with Laura Raquel Müller, Mikaelle Assani, and Maryse Luzolo leading the way. Mihambo reflects on her borderline experience at the European Championships in Bavaria's Olympic Stadium in 2012, where she finished fourth but gained valuable insights into her athletic capabilities. With her sights set on the upcoming World Championships in Budapest, Mihambo dreams of seeing an increase in medals for Team Germany, recognizing the significance of personal bests regardless of medals.
