The Tanzanian-German star Malaika Mihambo delivered a breathtaking world lead, stunning fans with her unstoppable dominance at the Karlsruhe meet.
Germany’s Malaika Mihambo showcased her supreme talent and early-season brilliance at the Indoor Meeting Karlsruhe on Friday, delivering a breathtaking world-leading jump of 7.07m.
The reigning European outdoor champion and Olympic silver medallist made a statement in her first major competition of the year, setting the benchmark for the 2025 indoor season.
After a shaky start, which included two fouls, Mihambo found her rhythm in the fourth round.
With an explosive display of power and precision, she soared to 7.07m—marking the first seven-meter-plus jump of the indoor season and equaling her personal best indoors.
“It’s always special to start the season like this,” Mihambo told reporters after the race.
“I knew I had a big jump in me, and I’m happy to have executed it well today.”
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Her world-leading mark solidified her dominance in the event, as she comfortably secured the victory in front of an enthusiastic German crowd.
The competition saw an impressive German 1-2 finish, with Mikaelle Assani improving to 6.79m in the fifth round to claim second place. Bulgaria’s former world U20 champion, Plamena Mitkova, managed a single valid jump of 6.69m, placing her in fifth.
Mihambo’s stellar performance in Karlsruhe not only underlined her status as the leading long jumper of the season but also hinted at what could be a historic year ahead. With the European Athletics Indoor Championships in Apeldoorn approaching, her world-leading jump sends a strong message to her rivals.
Her remarkable talent and cultural background continue to inspire many.
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Born in Heidelberg, Germany, Mihambo carries a Swahili name that means “angel” or “queen,” reflecting her Tanzanian and German heritage.
She has often spoken about the pride she feels in her multicultural identity, which has shaped her both as an athlete and as a person.
Elsewhere in Karlsruhe, the evening was packed with standout performances.
In the women’s pole vault, reigning world indoor champion Molly Caudery overcame a tough challenge from Slovenian veteran Tina Sutej. After passing at 4.70m, Caudery cleared 4.75m on her third and final attempt, securing the victory in dramatic fashion.
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The men’s 3000m saw an electrifying finish, with Stefan Nillessen stepping up in distance and shattering the Dutch national indoor record with a blistering 7:37.10.
His last-lap surge of 27.65 seconds sealed the win and positioned him as a strong contender for Apeldoorn 2025.
The theme of record-breaking performances extended to Italy, as Alice Mangione clocked 51.75 in the women’s 400m, becoming the first Italian woman to break the 52-second barrier indoors.
Other highlights of the night included Sweden’s Samuel Pihlstrom winning the 1500m in 3:35.62, France’s Wilhem Belocian securing victory in the 60m hurdles with 7.53, and Luxembourg’s Patrizia Van Der Weken continuing her winning streak in the 60m with a time of 7.13.
