Event Date and Location
As the World Athletics Championships 2023 draws near, the spotlight is on the women’s long jump competition. Set to unfold in Budapest from August 19 to 27, this championship promises thrilling performances and intense rivalry among the athletes.
Malaika Mihambo’s Absence Opens the Field
The absence of Malaika Mihambo, the reigning Olympics champion and winner of the 2019 and 2022 World Championships, due to injury, has reshaped the competition landscape. This provides an opportunity for other remarkable athletes to seize the spotlight and clinch the gold medal.
Top Three Contenders for Gold
Ackelia Smith (Jamaica)
Ackelia Smith from Jamaica emerged victorious in the NCAA competition, securing a world-leading jump of 7.08m. With Mihambo out of the equation, Smith stands as a formidable contender for the gold medal in Budapest. A podium finish would not only mark her personal triumph but also make her the first Jamaican woman in World Championships history to claim a medal in this event.
Tara Davis-Woodhall (USA)
Tara Davis-Woodhall of the USA ranks as the world no. 4 in the event, projecting her as a prime candidate for a medal. Davis-Woodhall displayed her prowess with an impressive 7.11m jump, albeit with wind assistance, at the USATF Bermuda Grand Prix. Her season-best performance of 7.07m places her closely behind Smith on the world-leading list.
Jasmine Moore (USA)
Jasmine Moore of the USA has achieved a rare feat by qualifying for the World Athletics Championships in both the long jump and triple jump categories. Boasting a personal best of 7.03m indoors and 6.98m (wind-assisted) outdoors, Moore has firmly positioned herself in the medal race. For her to vie for the gold in Budapest, she’ll need to surpass her personal best mark.
Dark Horse: Jazmin Sawyers (Great Britain)
Jazmin Sawyers from Great Britain is a contender worthy of attention. With her fourth appearance at the World Championships, Sawyers brings experience to the competition. Having secured a Commonwealth silver and delivered two top-eight finishes at the Olympics, Sawyers is on a quest for gold. Aiming to elevate her chances, Sawyers’ indoor jumps crossing the 7.00m mark could prove pivotal in her pursuit.
Records and Noteworthy Performances
As athletes gear up for the championships, records and notable performances serve as benchmarks:
- World Record: 7.55m (Galina Chistyakova, 1988 Leningrad)
- World Championships Record: 7.36m (Jackie Joyner-Kersee, 1987 Roma World Championships)
- Olympic Record: 7.40m (Jackie Joyner-Kersee, 1988 Seoul Olympics)
- World-Leading Performance in 2023: 7.08m (NCAA championship in the USA)
With the World Athletics Championships 2023 just around the corner, the anticipation for a thrilling women’s long jump competition continues to build.
