American Bryant marks indoor worlds debut with long jump title

NANJING, China - American Claire Bryant produced a personal best of 6.96 metres to win the womens long jump gold on the final day of the world indoor athletics championships at Nanjings Cube on Sunday.

Switzerlands Annik Kalin was second with 6.83m and Spains Fatima Diame finished third with 6.72m.

If someone had told me that I would walk away from Nanjing with the title, I would thank them for that vote of confidence, said 23-year-old Bryant.

I didnt come in with expectations, I just wanted to enjoy the moment. Every part of this is so cool. I woke up at 4.45 a.m. this morning, I felt like it was Christmas morning and I knew there was something waiting for me.

You can always surprise yourself in track, and I think thats whats so great about this sport. Seven metres is coming, for sure.

Australia claimed a one-two in the womens high jump as Nicola Olyslagers successfully defended her title by clearing 1.97m, winning on countback ahead of Eleanor Patterson.

Ukraines world record holder Yaroslava Mahuchikh completed the podium with a leap of 1.95m, edging out Serbias Angelina Topic on countback.

Having completed the first half of a rare double by winning the mens 3,000m title on Saturday, Norways Jakob Ingebrigtsen will target 1,500m gold in the evening session to match the feat of Ethiopian great Haile Gebrselassie in 1999.

Nine other finals will also be held, including the mens and womens 800m and the 4x400m relays, to conclude the first major global athletics meet since last years Paris Olympics. REUTERS

Join STs Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.