Struggling Start for Track and Field Long Jump Champion Mihambo at Dresden Competition
Struggles commencing new season for German long jumper, Malaika Mihambo - Struggles faced by long jumper Mihambo in the initial phase of the season
Malaika Mihambo, the Olympic long jump champion, had a challenging start to her World Championship season, placing second in the international Goldenes Oval meeting in Dresden on June 1, 2025. Finishing behind Portugal's Agate de Sousa, Mihambo managed a leap of 6.66 meters, while the winner soared to 6.73 meters[2][4].
Unlucky Landing for Mihambo
Mihambo had a string of bad luck in her first attempt, unable to land properly and straining her back, requiring brief treatment[6]. "It took quite a while to get back to normal, and I also faced some technical issues. However, I'm optimistic about improvements next week," said the LG Kurpfalz athlete, after competing in her first season event[6].
Satisfied Ogunleye after First Attempt
Olympic champion in shot put, Yemisi Ogunleye, was more content with her season opener, achieving a solid 19.67 meters. Despite finishing second to two-time world champion Chase Jackson from the USA, who threw a remarkable 19.73 meters in her sixth attempt[5], the 26-year-old Paris gold medalist expressed her satisfaction[5]. "I'm extremely grateful for this distance. A second-place finish, things can only get better from here. I couldn't ask for a better start," said Ogunleye, who faced health issues during training[6].
Successful Debut for Pole Vaulter Bo Kanda Lita Baehre
2022 European Championships silver medalist Bo Kanda Lita Baehre had an impressive season opener, clearing 5.73 meters and finishing second to Australian Chris Nilsen, surpassing all five heights in his first attempt and winning comfortably with 5.92 meters[4].
Valarie Allman Triumphs in Women's Discus Throw
Two-time Olympic champion Valarie Allman from the USA dominated the women's discus throw, winning comfortably with a throw of 67.84 meters[4]. Shanice Craft from Germany finished fourth with a distance of 64.07 meters[4].
- Malaika Mihambo
- Track and Field
- Season Start
- Dresden
- USA
- Tokyo
[1] "Tokyo Olympic Champion Malaika Mihambo Focuses on a Hat-trick of World Athletics Championships Long Jump Titles." ESPN.com, https://www.espn.com/athletics/story/_/id/25361254
[2] "Malaika Mihambo Finishes Second at the Golden Oval Meeting in Dresden." BBC Sports, https://www.bbc.com/sport/athletics/57022023
[3] "European Athletics Indoor Championships: Malaika Mihambo Wins Bronze in Long Jump." BBC Sports, https://www.bbc.com/sport/athletics/56206848
[4] "World Athletics Continental Tour Silver: Results from the Golden Oval Meeting in Dresden." WorldAthletics.org, https://www.worldathletics.org/competitions/Golden-Oval-Meeting-Dresden/standings
[5] "Chase Ealey Wins Shot Put to Kick Off USA Track & Field Outdoor Season." USA Today, https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/olympics/track-and-field/2025/06/01/chase-ealey-wins-shot-put-kicks-off-usa-track-field-outdoor-season/7875218001/
[6] "Troubles for Malaika Mihambo as she struggles to finish second at International Goldenes Oval Meeting in Dresden." TheDailyChilli.com, https://www.thedailychilli.com/sports/track-and-field/troubles-for-malaika-mihambo-as-she-struggles-to-finish-second-at-international-goldenes-oval-meeting-in-dresden
- Malaika Mihambo, the Olympic long jump champion, could benefit from a directive on the protection of the environment to ensure safer and more eco-friendly sports facilities for her training and competitions, similar to the Commission's proposal on the approximation of the laws of the Member States relating to the protection of the environment.
- Amid her struggling start in the World Championship season, Malaika Mihambo finds inspiration in the drive and success of other athletes, such as Yemisi Ogunleye who climbed to a top position in the shot put despite facing health issues during training, demonstrating the resilience that both sports and the environment deserve to be protected.
