Mihambo has overcome "valley" after infection

After her forced break due to an infection, Olympic long jump champion Malaika Mihambo can look forward to the delayed start of the season with confidence. "She has come through the valley and is back to normal condition," long jump national coach Ulli Knapp told the German Press Agency. Mihambo will start the world championship season at the international Golden Oval meeting in Dresden on June 1.

Dresden, Rehlingen, Stockholm

Germany's track and field star originally wanted to start the season in Pliezhausen in mid-May. She had to adjust this plan due to the feverish infection. At the training camp in Belek, Turkey, at the beginning of May, the two-time world champion was able to catch up. After the competition in Dresden, the next stops are the Whitsun Sports Festival in Rehlingen on June 8 and the Diamond League meeting in Stockholm a week later.

The highlight of the season is the World Championships from September 13 to 21 in Tokyo. Mihambo is one of the candidates for a top place there. "If she is 100 percent resilient and can develop optimal form, then Malaika is always good for jumps over seven meters," said Knapp. "If the form and conditions are right, then something very special can always come out of it."

Mikaelle Assani feeling better

Following her serious thigh injury, long jump colleague Mikaelle Assani is not expected back until after the World Championships season. The 22-year-old suffered a torn tendon at the European Indoor Championships in February.

"She's doing well under the circumstances. She is no longer on crutches," reported Knapp. "Tendon injuries are among the most serious injuries. That's why she has to continue to be very careful and unfortunately can't compete this summer."

Assani finished second behind Mihambo at the German indoor championships this year. At last year's European Championships and the World Indoor Championships a few months earlier, she narrowly missed out on a medal in fourth place.