New long jump ‘take off zone’ tested, faces mixed reactions

A step too far? Experimental long jump change makes its debut at ISTAF indoor meet

World Athletics’ experimental change to the long jump made its debut at the ISTAF indoor meet when two-time world champion Malaika Mihambo won under the new rule.

New long jump ‘take off zone’ tested, faces mixed reactions

A new long jump “take-off zone” was trialled at the indoor athletics meet in Düsseldorf on Sunday in what may become a notable change to the long-established...

At the ISTAF Indoor in Düsseldorf, the "take-off zone" is used for the first time during the long jump. At the world premiere, Malaika Mihambo benefits directly from the new system - and is not averse.

Olympic winner Malaika Mihambo triumphs at the Hall Meeting in Düsseldorf. A new long jump rule was tested there for the first time on a larger stage.

No longer a beam to be hit, but the distance actually jumped from the exact descent to the landing counts: In Düsseldorf an experiment was dared. However, there were no record jumps.

In Paris, Malaika Mihambo was at the top of the podium – now she is once again triumphing at the Hall Meeting in Düsseldorf. Gina Lückenkemper was unable to compete due to injury.