In 2024 the change was discussed in the long jump, now it is being tested for the first time: Malaika Mihambo and her competitors will take off from a bounce zone at the IstAF in Düsseldorf.
For the German European champion and Vice Olympic champion of the past year, the event could not be better for this innovation. Last year Mihambo had already left with a “Salto Nullo” after half of the competition because she had passed three times. This time, however, the 31-year-old should not happen if she returns to the hall to Düsseldorf on Sunday (09.02.2025).
Greater Jump area and fairer measuring point
As the organizers reported on Tuesday, the long jumpers no longer have to hit the famous bar, but have significantly more space for their jump. In addition, the following really applies: Those who jump the farthest also have the longest jump. What has been openly discussed since last year is now reality – although there were also critical voices, among others by sports show expert Frank Busemann.
The “take-off zone”, which is tried out for the first time in the course of its pilot project in Düsseldorf, will be 40 centimeters. In addition, the width is not measured from the optimal point on the bar, but from the tip of the jump point. The days of giving away several centimeters in the jump are over at least on the IstAF on Sunday, the innovation prevails, it could also be the case in the long run.
Mihambo: “Be optimal jumps more likely “
“In the end, it can make the long jump more exciting. Optimal jumps will definitely be more likely with the take-off zone, because we not only have to orientate ourselves on the board, but can use all aspects for an optimal jumping point”said Mihambo. The focus now no longer has to be on not to cross, but on the perfect movement.
“I am happy to try it out. To be able to decide: Does it make sense? Is that exciting? Does it make it better?”said the best German long jumper. The competition on Sunday will bring the first answers to these questions.
Association president Coe: Too many invalid jumps
The reform was initiated by the World Athletics Association and its President Sebastian Coe. “At the 2023 World Championships, around a third of the jumps were invalid”said the Brit, this was boring for the audience: “Our sport is 150 years old. There are inviolable elements that we want to protect. But there are also areas that leave the viewers cold.”