However, since the World Cup coup, the seven-meter jumps had not been a matter of course for her due to back problems and the resulting start-up problems. “I’m happy with the start,” said Mihambo, relieved. “And I’m glad it’s going that far again.” At the Tokyo Games, the three-time “Sportswoman of the Year” won gold in the last attempt with 7.00 meters.
In Birmingham she even managed a flight over seven meters in her last attempt with a time of 7.06. “I’m happy that it’s already gone over seven meters twice,” said Mihambo. “This shows that the stability at start-up is back.” She can convert speed into distance again. “So everything looks pretty good. Apparently I’m on the right track,” said the exceptional athlete who was born in Heidelberg. “Now it feels like I’m about as good as I was in 2019 when I was able to dominate.”
In Birmingham she dominated the competition more clearly than almost ever. European indoor champion Marina Bech-Romantschuk (Ukraine) came second with 6.66 meters, world indoor champion Ivana Vuleta (Serbia/6.54) was fifth.
A dress rehearsal for Mihambo is the next Diamond League start next Saturday in the US city of Eugene, where she wants to defend her world title in the long jump final on July 24th. The fact that the European Championships in Munich continue just three weeks later doesn’t bother her. “For me as a long jumper, it’s very good that the competitions are so close together,” Mihambo told the German Press Agency. “In terms of training, only one highlight has to be designed, which is ideal for the preparation.”