- Olympic champion Mihambo "freer" than before Tokyo
Long Jump Olympic Champion Malaika Mihambo expects that the atmosphere missing in Tokyo will lead to better performances in Paris. "It's naturally nice when we have full stadiums again and many people come to cheer and support us. Support and applause give us energy for the competition," Mihambo told the German Press Agency ahead of her qualification today. "With this energy and more power, we can achieve even better performances."
Three years ago in Tokyo, Mihambo crowned herself Olympic champion. However, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, there were few spectators in the stadium. Alongside Mihambo, Mikaelle Assani and Laura Raquel Müller will compete for the German team at the Stade de France. Medals will be awarded on Thursday.
Mihambo's coach: "Malaika seems calmer than before Tokyo"
"Especially in women's long jump, we have a strong team. We're not just strong in the first place," said Mihambo. "It's great to have the certainty that we can send at least three athletes to international championships."
The two-time world and European champion could be the first long jumper to win gold at two consecutive Olympics. "Malaika seems calmer than before Tokyo. Back then, we came from a very emotionally difficult phase. Now, the overall mood is freer. Malaika feels like she's getting back to her top performances," Mihambo's coach Ulli Knapp told the German Press Agency.
"Malaika has become Olympic champion, world champion twice, and European champion twice. Another Olympic title would be great, but she doesn't feel the same pressure as others might," said Knapp.
Her best jump of 7.30 meters was at her first World Championship title in Doha in 2019. Mihambo leads the annual world best list with 7.22 meters from the European Championship title in Rome. "The competition is strong. The European Championships showed that. Rarely has the level been so high as this year. It will definitely be an exciting competition in Paris," said Mihambo.
Mihambo expressed hope that the absence of a full crowd in Tokyo might actually benefit the athletes in Paris, as their energy and applause can significantly impact performances during the Olympic Games. Three years ago, Mihambo emerged victorious in the Olympic Games in Tokyo, but the experience was marred by the scarcity of spectators due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
