Poland’s Jakub Szymanski produced one of the highlights at a sold out edition of the ISTAF Indoor in Dusseldorf, a World Athletics Indoor Tour Silver meeting, on Sunday (4) afternoon.
In front of 6350 spectators, Szymanski sped to victory in the 60m hurdles in 7.47 - a world lead and a Polish record, improving Damian Czykier’s two-year-old mark by 0.01. Szymanski also led a Polish one-two in the event with Krzysztof Kiljan second in 7.66.
“I feel amazing. I would like to thank my coaches and my entire team. I changed coach and training location before the season and I am very happy that I decided to change the group.
“I didn’t think I could run so fast today. I wanted to break the Polish record, but I didn't think it would be possible today,” said Szymanski who made his breakthrough last year with silver in the 60m hurdles at the European Athletics Indoor Championships.
Lisek edges out Kendricks in the pole vault
There was also a Polish victory in the pole vault for Piotr Lisek who defeated his long-time friend and rival Sam Kendricks on countback at a season’s best of 5.75m.
The one difference in their scorecard was at 5.65m which Lisek cleared on his second attempt to Kendricks who needed all three attempts. Both athletes cleared 5.75m on their first attempts although Lisek rued his missed attempts at 5.82m.
“5.75m is not enough for my athletic heart. I had a good jump at 5.82m. I am happy about winning in Dusseldorf. ISTAF is my favourite German meeting,” said Lisek, who incidentally cleared six metres for the first time on German soil in Potsdam in 2017.
Mikaelle Assani won the women’s long jump with her fourth round attempt of 6.64m to defeat 19-year-old European U20 bronze medallist Laura Raquel Müller who led after three jumps with 6.52m.
It was at this juncture Malaika Mihambo exited from the competition after the reigning Olympic champion recorded three successive no-jumps.
“I’m very disappointed, of course I had something else in mind. But the jumps were good and that’s exactly what gives me confidence. The atmosphere was fantastic and it was a lot of fun jumping here today,” said Mihambo.
Steven Mills for European Athletics