The seven-metre barrier in women’s long jump represents true world-class quality, and we are proud to bring exactly that level of athletics to the heart of Košice. On Wednesday, May 27 at 8:00 PM, fans will be able to enjoy the JBL Jump Fest, part of the World Athletics Continental Tour with Silver status, completely free of charge.
Alongside an exceptionally strong men’s triple jump field featuring three World Championship medalists, we have also prepared a top-class women’s long jump competition. Most recent Diamond League victory in Shanghai, American Monae’ Nichols will compete in Košice, while Sweden’s Khaddi Sagnia returns to defend her title from last year. The field will also include Jamaica’s Ackelia Smith and France’s Hilary Kpatcha. We are equally pleased that talented Slovak athlete Dominika Švaňová will have the opportunity to compete alongside the world elite, replacing the injured Paula Perončíková.
We believe that, just like in the men’s triple jump, the meeting record in the women’s long jump could also be under threat. As many as seven athletes in the field hold personal bests better than the current meeting record. Recent performances suggest that spectators in Košice can expect athletics at Diamond League level. Jamaica’s Jordan Scott recently produced the world-leading performance in the triple jump, while Monae’ Nichols claimed victory in Shanghai with a leap of 6.97 metres.
Another major attraction will be the appearance of three-time world champion and Olympic bronze medalist Ivana Španović, who will compete in the Open category of the triple jump. We have been working for a long time to bring Ivana to our event, and we are delighted that it has finally happened this year. A great deal of credit also goes to our event ambassadors, twins Danka and Janka Velďáková, who have maintained an excellent relationship with Ivana over the years.
This year, we decided to move the main programme of the 11th edition into the evening hours. The atmosphere of the event will be enhanced not only by artificial lighting, but also by the illuminated St. Elisabeth Cathedral, which will give the entire evening a unique character.
Every year we strive to introduce something new, and this edition will be no exception. Spectators can look forward to a brand-new runway with a special surface, which will be tested by the world’s best jumpers. The evening schedule and artificial lighting represent a major challenge for us, but we believe we can deliver them at the highest level.
And for those who will not be able to attend in person in the streets of Košice, a live stream will be available on the official European Athletics YouTube channel. We are also very pleased that, for the first time, the stream will be picked up by World Athletics as well, which marks another important step forward for our meeting.
Photo credit: Soňa Maléterová