A step too far? Experimental long jump change makes its debut at ISTAF indoor meet
Mihambo jumped 6.87 meters on her fourth attempt in the absence of most of her international rivals, adding to the German's wins at meets in Dortmund and Karlsruhe this year.
It was her first win using a new-look take-off zone rather than the take-off board that has been the norm in this event. Sunday marked the first time the rule was tested on a larger stage, with its proponents saying it will cut down on the number of fouls.
'The momentum is much better, as if you're jumping with just half a foot from the board,' Mihambo said of the new take-off area.
Sweet spot
The take-off zone is 40 centimeters long, compared to the take-off board's 20, and every jump from the zone is measured from the athlete's take-off point with the aid of cameras, as opposed to the traditional method of measuring jumps from the end of the board. The change eliminates some of the art and science of hitting the sweet spot on the board at top speed for a far leap.
Distances were also measured according to the traditional method from the end of the board for the official world rankings. Dutch athlete Pauline Hondema jumped furthest using the traditional measurement with a jump of 6.65, ahead of Poland's Anna Matuszewicz (6.40). Mihambo was third with her only valid jump under the previous system of 6.39.
Like Mihambo, her coach, Uli Knapp, was also in favor of the new rule.
'It was very exciting for the spectators because there were far fewer invalid jumps,' Knapp said. 'It makes the competition more entertaining. I'm open for changes, just like Malaika.'
Many long jumpers are unhappy about the proposed change.
___
AP sports: https://apnews.com/hub/sports
The Associated Press
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
San Francisco Chronicle
2 hours ago
- San Francisco Chronicle
Auburn will formally retire QB Cam Newton's No. 2 jersey during game against Georgia
AUBURN, Ala. (AP) — Auburn will retire 2010 Heisman Trophy winner Cam Newton's No. 2 jersey this fall, making him the fourth player in program history to receive the honor. The ceremony will take place during Auburn's home game against rival Georgia on Oct. 11. Newton will join Pat Sullivan (No. 7), Bo Jackson (No. 34) and Terry Beasley (No. 88) as former Tigers football players whose numbers are formally retired. The jerseys of Sullivan and Beasley were retired following Sullivan's 1971 Heisman Trophy season, and Jackson's number was retired as part of Auburn's football centennial celebration in 1992. No one has worn No. 2 at Auburn since Newton and the Tigers beat Oregon in the Bowl Championship Series national title game for the 2010 season. But soon it will be officially out of service. 'Auburn will always be home to me,' Newton said in a statement. 'The national championship we won in 2010 was a special moment, and to have my jersey retired ... is an incredible honor that I'll cherish forever. War Eagle!' One of the most decorated players in Auburn and Southeastern Conference history, Newton led Auburn to conference and national titles with a perfect 14-0 record. He threw for 2,854 yards and 30 touchdowns while rushing for 1,473 yards and 20 more scores. He became the first player in SEC history to pass for more than 2,000 yards and rush for more than 1,000 yards in a single season. 'Cam Newton not only led Auburn to a national championship in 2010, but he produced one of the most prolific seasons ever by a college football player,' Auburn athletic director John Cohen said. 'Retiring Cam's jersey number is a fitting way to celebrate his lasting impact on Auburn University and Auburn Athletics for all time.' ___
Yahoo
2 hours ago
- Yahoo
Trust in La Masia – Hansi Flick following in the footsteps of Guardiola, Luis Enrique at Barcelona
La Masia has always been an integral part of Barcelona, and the several players who have made their way up the ranks over the years are testament to the same. Hansi Flick, despite not having a direct link with the club before his arrival, has adapted perfectly and understood the importance of the academy in the team's plans. Last season, he did not hold back in handing out debuts, and the same trend has continued this season, with young Jofre Torrents even making his debut for the club last weekend. Among the greats As relayed in a recent report by MARCA, Flick is on his way to joining some of the greatest coaches in Barcelona's history in terms of giving young talents chances in the first team. Last season, in his first term in charge at the club, the German coach gave six players their debut for the senior side – Marc Bernal, Gerard Martin, Andres Cuenca, Sergi Dominguez, Dani Rodriguez and Toni Fernandez. Jofre Torrents made his official debut vs Mallorca. (Picture courtesy: FC Barcelona Official Website) With Torrents now the latest in the group, his tally moves to seven players and is slowly but surely catching up with former greats at the club. For comparison, Xavi Hernandez gave 15 young players their debut for the first team during his term at the club, including the likes of Lamine Yamal, Fermin Lopez, Pau Cubarsi, Hector Fort, Inaki Pena and Marc Casado. Moving further back in the timeline, Luis Enrique handed 15 players their debut in three seasons, Ernesto Valverde 14 in two and a half years and Ronald Koeman seven players during his time at the club. The record, however, is held by none other than Pep Guardiola, who gave 22 players their first chance with the senior team during his time at the club. Needless to say, Flick has big competition to beat. In the coming weeks, the likes of Pedro 'Dro' Fernandez and Guille Fernandez could be in line to make their debut, and that number can even rise as the season progresses.
Yahoo
3 hours ago
- Yahoo
PSV will embrace clubless former Vitesse youngster
PSV are strengthening their youth squad with the signing of Jim Koller. The midfielder, currently without a club, will join Jong PSV in the Dutch second tier. Koller was recently under contract with Vitesse, but is one of the players who has had his contract terminated as the club lost their professional license. PSV have picked up on this and will now sign the 18-year-old attacking midfielder. If the teen's medical examination doesn't reveal any problems, Koller could be eligible for playing time next weekend. Jong PSV take on Dirk Kuyt's FC Dordrecht in the Keuken Kampioen Divisie. GBeNeFN | Max Bradfield
