Mihambo and Mitton Shine at World Indoor Tour Gold in Karlsruhe
The 40th edition of the INIT Indoor Meeting in Karlsruhe, a World Indoor Tour Gold event, showcased thrilling performances in front of a sold-out Europa Halle. Among the standout moments were world-leading marks from Germany’s Malaika Mihambo in the long jump (7.07m) and Canada’s Sarah Mitton in the women’s shot put (20.68m). With a crowd of 3,500 passionate fans, the competition was electrifying, featuring record-breaking feats and impressive early-season form from top international athletes.
Women’s Long Jump: Mihambo Soars Past Seven Meters
Reigning European outdoor champion Malaika Mihambo delighted the home crowd with a world-leading 7.07m jump on her fourth attempt, just four days after her 31st birthday. This marked the first 7m jump of the 2024 season, equaling Mihambo’s indoor personal best set in 2020 and surpassing the meeting record of 7.06m, previously held by Heike Drechsler since 1994.
Germany’s Mikaelle Assani secured second place with a 6.79m leap in her final attempt.
Malaika Mihambo: “I was really happy with the result. I did not expect it. I decided to make only three jumps for two reasons: I have another competition in Düsseldorf on Sunday, and there wasn’t enough rest between jumps. I rely on speed, and I need proper recovery after each jump.”
Women’s Shot Put: Mitton Breaks Records
World indoor champion Sarah Mitton delivered a commanding performance, winning the women’s shot put with a world-leading 20.68m throw, matching her Canadian national record in her sixth attempt. It was the best indoor women’s shot put result in over a decade.
Two-time world outdoor champion Chase Jackson initially led with 20.06m, but Mitton’s explosive throw in the final round secured her victory. Jessica Schilder from the Netherlands placed third with 20.09m after a jury review overturned an initial foul ruling.
Sarah Mitton: “I knew immediately it was going to be over 20 meters. It matches my outdoor PB from February, and I’m really excited. There’s a lot more to come. The atmosphere was amazing, especially with Yemi (Yemisi Ogunleye, Olympic champion) competing.”
Chase Jackson: “It felt really good. I’m not quite where I want to be in terms of stamina. Twenty meters is great, but with competitors like Sarah around, it’s not enough anymore. This was one of the best competitions I’ve had in a long time. The crowd was incredible.”
Women’s Pole Vault: Caudery Claims Victory
World indoor champion Molly Caudery from Great Britain cleared 4.75m on her third attempt to win the women’s pole vault. Slovenia’s Tina Šutej took second place with 4.70m, just three days after her victory in Ostrava. European U23 champion Marie-Julie Bonnin finished third with 4.65m.
Molly Caudery: “I’m very satisfied. I was jumping off a short approach today, so this was a short approach PB for me. I’ve been dealing with a hamstring injury and haven’t been able to train properly. We weren’t sure what to expect, so I’m just grateful to compete and perform well.”
Women’s 60m: Van der Weken Secures Back-to-Back Wins
Luxembourg’s Patrizia Van der Weken stormed to victory in the women’s 60m with 7.13 seconds, following up her win in Ostrava (7.08s). Gemima Joseph finished a close second in 7.15s, edging out Switzerland’s Geraldine Frey (7.16s) by just 0.01 seconds. Gina Lückenkemper, the 2022 European champion, finished fifth in 7.22s.
Women’s 800m: Sekgodiso Sets South African Indoor Record
Prudence Sekgodiso won the women’s 800m, clocking 1:59.88 to break the South African indoor record. Her time places her second in the world this season, just 0.01s behind Shafiqua Maloney’s 1:59.87 set in Fayetteville.
Prudence Sekgodiso: “The race went well. I tried to stay with the pace and managed to push through at the end. The atmosphere was incredible.”
Men’s 60m Hurdles: Belocian Triumphs
Wilhem Belocian from France won the men’s 60m hurdles in 7.53s, after clocking 7.51s in the heats. Manuel Mordi finished second in 7.62s, just ahead of 2022 European champion Asier Martínez (7.66s).
Wilhem Belocian: “Winning a big competition is important. I recently switched from eight steps to seven, and it still feels new. I need more races to get comfortable.”
Men’s 400m: Faust Sets Meeting Record
Brian Faust took victory in the men’s 400m, clocking 46.03s to break the meeting record (46.11s, set in 1990). Italy’s Luca Sito placed second, improving his indoor PB to 46.27s.
Brian Faust: “The race felt good. I was surprised I didn’t win the break, but I stayed patient and made my move in the last 50 meters. My goal was to win and earn points for the Gold Tour.”
Men’s 1500m: Pihlström Dominates
Sweden’s Samuel Pihlström secured victory in the men’s 1500m with 3:35.62, narrowly missing his national record by 0.15s. Italy’s Federico Riva placed second in 3:36.78, just 0.04s shy of his PB.
Samuel Pihlström: “I expected to run around this time. I tried to stay with the pace and push in the last 500m. My goal is to peak for the European and World Championships in March.”
Men’s 3000m: Nillessen Breaks Dutch Indoor Record
Dutch athlete Stefan Nillessen shattered the national indoor record in the men’s 3000m, winning in 7:37.10. Matthew Kipsang (7:38.00) and fellow Dutch runner Mike Foppen (7:38.20) completed the podium.
Stefan Nillessen: “Coming straight from a training camp in South Africa, I was curious about my form. The crowd was so close to the track—it gave me energy.”
Women’s 3000m: Muleta Wins Thriller
Lomi Muleta, an Olympic 3000m steeplechase finalist, won the women’s 3000m in 8:57.52, just ahead of Portugal’s Mariana Machado (8:57.77) and Italy’s Federica Del Buono (8:57.88) in a thrilling finish.
Women’s 400m: Mangione Sets Italian Record
Italy’s Alice Mangione won the women’s 400m, clocking 51.75s to break the Italian indoor record. Bassant Hemida (52.17s) and Naomi Van de Broeck (52.94s) followed.
Alice Mangione: “I did not expect to win. My next goal is the European Indoor Championships in Apeldoorn.”
