German long jump Olympic silver medalist Malaika Mihambo had a rough time after the competition. She collapsed and was in tears as she missed out on the gold medal. Mihambo’s final jump of 6.98m was just 12cm short of the gold medal winner, Tara Davis-Woodhall from the USA. This close defeat meant that Mihambo, who had won gold in the previous Olympics, missed out on becoming the first long jumper to win two consecutive gold medals in the Olympics.
Following her disappointing finish, Mihambo experienced breathing difficulties and had to be taken away by medical staff. It was reported that she had contracted Covid two months earlier in Rome, which had affected her training leading up to the competition. Despite recovering from the virus, she still struggled with breathing issues after her event.
German TV expert Frank Busemann commented on Mihambo’s situation, expressing concern for her well-being. He noted that while her mind was strong, her body was not able to cope with the physical demands of the competition. Mihambo was wheeled out of the arena under the supervision of medical staff, highlighting the toll that the intense competition had taken on her.
In the end, it was Davis-Woodhall who claimed the gold medal with a jump of 7.10m, while another American athlete, Jasmine Moore, took home the bronze with a jump of 6.96m. The Olympics have seen other athletes struggle with the effects of Covid, including USA sprinter Noah Lyles and Team GB’s Adam Peaty.
Mihambo’s emotional breakdown and health issues serve as a reminder of the challenges that athletes face, both in competition and in dealing with external factors like illness. Despite the disappointment of missing out on the gold, her resilience and determination are a testament to the dedication and strength of Olympic athletes.
