Long jump star Malaika Mihambo once again delivered to the point at the World Athletics Championships and won the silver medal. Gold secured the outstanding Tara Davis-Woodhall on Sunday (14.09.2025).
The Olympic champion from the USA prevailed at 7.13 meters as in Paris in front of Mihambo (6.99) and Natalia Linares (Colombia/6.92). The German Hoffniederin gave the German Athletics Association (DLV) the first medal on the second World Cup day and continued her impressive series of success: For seven years she has brought a medal for every big championship-provided that she was at the start.
“It feels very good. I’m just happy that I did the best competition of the season,” said Mihambo of the Sportschau. “I was a lot outside, this time I only thought from jump to jump and concentrated on doing.”
Last attempt strong – but invalid
The Heidelberg woman presented herself in the final in a completely different condition than in qualification when she continued to tremble at 6.63 meters. At the 6.60 meters at the start, the attempt was not quite right, but after that it went for the 31-year-old. This was followed by a spot landing on the board 6.92 meters.
Coach Ulli Knapp, who had stayed sick the day before, was there this time and signaled: No more reluctance. The Olympic champion of Tokyo 2021 increased continuously, had 6.95 meters at the site of her biggest triumph and finally 6.99 meters.
In the last two attempts, the two -time world champion put everything on one card, showed strong jumps and potential for well over seven meters – but she merged. “It was a shame that the last one was invalid. But if the last bit of luck, that’s the way it is. That’s the sport,” said Mihambo.
Davis-Woodhall twice over seven meters
Top favorite Davis-Woodhall (USA) conjured up 7.08 meters in the sand of the sold-out nation stadium in the first attempt-a clear announcement to the competition. In the fourth attempt, she increased to 7.13 meters. That couldn’t counter Mihambo that day.
European Halle Champion and Diamond League winner Larissa Iapichino from Italy had surprisingly failed in the qualification.