by Stuart Weir
Thobias Montler, Mike Powell, Juan Echevarria, photo by PhotoRun.net
An exciting LJ in tough conditions, Thobias Montler reminded the field that Sweden has produced some strong jumpers. Here is how Stuart Weir viewed the competition and the
One of the highlights of the 2018 Bauhaus-galan IAAF Diamond League was the men’s long jump. Juan Miguel Echevarria from Cuba won with 8.83 (wind 2.1) and jumped so far that he was almost out of the pit. Well, he is back this year and the pit has been lengthened – apparently it was easier to lengthen the pit than move the board back.
And to add to the intrigue, at the pre-event press conference, Mike Powell who has held the world record of 8.95 since 1991, announced to the world that Juan Miguel had the talent and technique to break the world record. Powell joked that he had been giving him advice on technique – but not too much advice.
Juan Echevarrria, photo by PhotoRun.net
In the event, the men’s long jump was an anti-climax with Echevarria not managing 8 meters until his final jump, a leap of 8:12. Reigning world champion, Luvo Manyonga was over 8 meters with his four legal jumps but his of the best of 8.07 was only good enough for fourth place. This opened the door for the local boy, Thobias Montler, to win. Going into the competition his PR was 8.10, a distance which he exceeded three times this evening including his winning jump of 8.22.
On paper it was a disappointing competition with Echevarria and Manyonga, both 8.60+ jumpers and world lead, Jeff Henderson, all falling short of the best. But the Swedish crowd could not have cared less about any of that is they cheered a Swede to victory.
Thobias Montler, photo by PhotoRun.net
The weather conditions were tough with a temperature of 53 (12 Celsius) and a strong wind which registered from +4 to -0.4 during the course of the competition.
A delighted Montler said, “It was pretty cold but a fantastic competition for me with 8.22, a PR. It is also the standard for the Olympics so I am super happy. I did a 8.43 jump a week ago in the wind but it gave me confidence for today. My family and friends were here and the home crowd made it very special for me. Of course I am surprised to come out on top with the big names – I know Luvo and Echevarria can jump really far but maybe I am more used to the cold! It was a great competition for me so I am so happy”.
There really is nothing like a home win.
