Positive feedback for takeoff zone in horizontal jumps says World Athletics

MANCHESTER, England : Early testing of take-off zones for measuring in long jump and triple jump has received positive feedback from many athletes and fans, World Athletics said on Friday.

The global federation announced a year ago that it planned to trial a take-off zone, with jumps measured from where the front foot takes off to where it lands in the pit, rather than the traditional board, to reduce the amount of foul jumps.

The innovation was part of the competition programme at the ISTAF Indoor Duesseldorf meet on February 9 and the ISTAF Indoor 2025 meet in Berlin five days later.

Twice women's world long jump champion Malaika Mihambo, who won in Duesseldorf with a leap of 6.87 metres, said she "was pleasantly surprised to find that the difference wasn't as significant as I had expected.

"This experience reinforced my understanding that long jump is about much more than just hitting the board," the German said in a World Athletics statement.

"I appreciate the concept of utilising the entire board, as it enhances momentum and provides better feedback while allowing me to choose my own take-off point.

"However, this approach also makes it more challenging for both athletes and spectators to estimate distances.

"The key question remains: How can we make horizontal jumps safer for athletes while also making them more engaging for spectators, both in the stadium and at home?"

QUIT THREAT

However, the takeoff zone has been criticised by some jumpers.

Twice reigning Olympic men's long jump champion Miltiadis Tentoglou threatened to quit the event if the sport implemented the rule change.

"I consider long jump to be one of the hardest events because of the board and the accuracy you need," Greek Tentoglou said after winning last