German sprinters were left trailing in the men’s 60m by Ivorian Arthur Cissé in the first edition of ISTAF INDOOR at Düsseldorf’s ISS Dome. Britain’s Dina Asher-Smith won the 60m dash in 7.12 seconds while Germany’s Malaika Mihambo took a very close long jump contest with 6.74m.
The first edition of the ISTAF INDOOR in Düsseldorf produced world-class athletics in the ISS Dome. Pole vault star Armand “Mondo“ Duplantis crowned the premiere with a dominant performance, establishing a world lead and a strong meeting record of 6.01m.
An unexpected duel between Germany’s Torben Blech and Sweden’s Armand Duplantis developed with the former improving his personal best to 5.86m.
However Duplantis was superior and once more confirmed his position as the world’s number one. Securing victory with 6.01m he immediately went for 6.19m. However the world record height was too much for today. Duplantis ran through at his first attempt and then retired.
Arthur Cissé of the Ivory Coast flew away in 6.54 seconds. “It was a fantastic start into the season for me. My race was not perfect. So I hope to run faster in five days in Berlin. It was great what organizers put together here and I would really like to experience this with spectators next year,” Cissé said. Germany’s Kevin Kranz took second in 6.61.
Britain’s Dina Asher-Smith took the 60m premiere in Düsseldorf in 7.12 seconds. “It was good. I am happy to be back running again. It has been quite a long time since my last race in 2019. I am looking forward to the next ones,” said Dina Asher-Smith.
Germany’s fourth placed Rebekka Haase, who clocked 7.24, was thrilled with the set-up in Düsseldorf’s ISS DOME: “The arena is impressive. I really liked running here. I am happy with my result and look forward to Berlin,” she said.
“It was a fantastic start into the season for me. My race was not perfect. So I hope to run faster in five days in Berlin. It was great what organizers put together here and I would really like to experience this with spectators next year” ~ Arthur Cissé
Long jump World Champion Malaika Mihambo confirms position as favourite
It was a very close affair but Malaika Mihambo took the long jump of the ISTAF INDOOR with 6.74 m in the city of sport, Düsseldorf. Khaddi Sagnia of Sweden achieved 6.74 as well but had to settle for second place since Mihambo’s second best attempt was superior.
“The ISTAF is always great, also in Düsseldorf. The music and the atmosphere was fantastic. I now have to stabilize my performance level. I am looking forward to Friday and want to jump a bit further in Berlin,” said Malaika Mihambo.
Foto finish in men’s 60 m hurdles
It can not really get closer: Damian Czykier just edged the 60 m hurdles in a photo finish. The Pole was given an exact time of 7.64631 seconds while Aaron Mallett of the US ran 7.64639.
“With the light show and the fireworks organizers of the ISTAF managed to create a great atmosphere even without spectators,” said Damian Czykier.
Nadine Visser takes women’s hurdles
Nadine Visser of the Netherlands was the fastest in the 60 m hurdles in Düsseldorf. She took the event at the ISTAF premiere in 8.00 seconds from Alina Talay. The Belorussian clocked 8.01 while the Netherlands’ Zoe Sedney was third in 8.04.
“To be honest I am not quite satisfied with my result. I will relax a couple of days and then hope to improve at the ISTAF INDOOR in Berlin on Friday,” said Nadine Visser.
