BIG SHOES TO FILL

JAMAICA HAS carved out a strong record in the men’s long jump at the global level. Tajay Gayle struck gold at the 2019 Doha World Championships and claimed bronze in Budapest two years ago, laying the foundation for the nation’s success.

Wayne Pinnock added to the tally with silver in Budapest and at last year’s Paris Olympic Games. At the Tokyo World Championships, however, Pinnock will be missing. That leaves Gayle and Carey McLeod to lead the fight, with senior NACAC champion Nikoali Williams making his World Championship debut.

Gayle showed signs early this season that he was returning to his best. His 8.34-metre leap in Kingston still sits at number three in the world this season. But injuries have hampered his progress since then. He missed the National Championships and several meets on the European circuit. His best since Kingston has been 8.05m in Shaoxing, China, while managing 7.90m in Xiamen and 7.71m in Lausanne.

Gayle will be banking on a big return to medal territory, as no athlete has truly dominated the event this year.

McLeod, who placed fourth in Budapest, is chasing his season’s best of 8.33m. With a personal best of 8.40m, he knows he has the firepower to go further. Williams, fresh off an 8.16m gold-medal-winning leap at the NACAC Championships in the Bahamas, will also be eager to make his mark.

It has also been a rocky stretch for world leader Miltiadis Tentoglou of Greece. His 8.46m in Madrid remains the best of the season, but he has since struggled, recording 7.52m and 7.06m in his last two outings.

Italy’s Mattia Furlani, the World Indoor silver medallist, with 8.37m, Switzerland’s Diamond League champion Simon Ehammer (8.34m), and Australia’s Liam Adcock (8.34m) are also serious contenders.

With no clear frontrunner this season, Jamaica’s Gayle and McLeod, if they hit form, could well step onto the podium in Tokyo. But all eyes will be on Tentoglou, the two-time Olympic champion and defending world champion, who has a knack for delivering when the lights shine brightest.

Predicted Top Three

1. Miltiadis Tentoglou (Greece)

2. Simon Ehammer (Switzerland)

3. Mattia Furlani (Italy)