Weitsprung Tests New Take-Off Zone in Düsseldorf

The trial replaces the traditional 20 cm board with a 40 cm zone, aiming to reduce invalid jumps and increase competition excitement.

Malaika Mihambo won the Düsseldorf ISTAF Indoor event with a jump of 6.87 meters using the new Take-Off Zone.
The new 40 cm zone replaces the traditional 20 cm board, measuring jumps from the athlete's toe position for greater accuracy.
The change aims to reduce invalid jumps, which accounted for one-third of attempts at the 2023 World Championships.
Athletes and officials noted technical challenges in the trial, including measurement inconsistencies and display transparency issues.
The innovation has divided opinions among athletes, with some, like Miltiadis Tentoglou, criticizing it for altering the sport's precision requirements.