Blessing Okagbare-Ighoteguonor, bounced back from her disappointment of missing out in the women’s 100m final, by qualifying for the women’s Long Jump final, on Day 6 of the World Championships.
The 2013 Silver medallist in the event, leaped to a distance of 6.51m on her second attempt to place 2nd in her group behind Great Britain’s Lorraine Ugen, who had 6.63m. On the overall standings, the Nigerian was 8th overall, within the top 12 qualifying spot for the final.
Though her mark was below the automatic qualifying mark of 6.70m, it wasn’t a major worry as none of the athletes in the event hit the mark as well, due to rainy and cold conditions on the night which deterred excellent performances.
The farthest distance by all jumpers in both qualifying groups was recorded by Darya Klishina (6.66m), USA’s Tianna Bartoletta was closely behind with 6.64m, while Ivana Spanovic had a distance of 6.62m for 3rd.
Okagbare-Ighoteguonor is now the first Nigerian athlete that has qualified for the final of any event at the Championship. She’ll be hoping for an improved performance, and hopefully a medal when the final takes place on Friday.
Meanwhile, Ese Brume couldn’t make it to the final, as her third attempt leap of 6.38m placed her 10th in her group, thereby missing out in the final.
