Men high jump
Javier Sotomayor showed again why he is considered the best high jumper in history after winning his fourth title here in Maebashi. The Cuban - who has now won as many indoor golds as anyone in history - had to jump 2.36 (the world leading mark) and was faultless in all his attempts. The new Russian find, Vyacheslav Voronin, also cleared 2.36 on his first attempt but lost out to "Soto" on countback, his clearance of 2.33 only coming at the third attempt. The bronze medal went to Olympic champion Charles Austin who achieved a season’s best mark of 2.33.
Gold Medallist - SOTOMAYOR Javier (CUB)
"This is a great meeting, a great arena and a wonderful competition. I was ready
and feeling very strong, but a little bit tired. That is why I did't try the 2.40 more
than once.
I had to jump with only 5 steps because the runway is so short. Normally I use seven
steps. That might mean three to four centimeters in height."
Silver Medallist - VORONIN Vyacheslav (RUS)
"A personal best in a major championships and a medal what could I ask more !
SOTOMAYOR, he is of a different statue!
One day maybe I would be on that level." (A little smile appears as he speaks.)
Bronze Medallist - AUSTIN Charles (USA)
"Yeah, it was a great competition today. I have no complaints. SOTO jumped well,
VORONIN set a personal best. I saw him last year and knew he was a very talented Russian
jumper.
I just little tough time today but set my best season's mark in the major championships
makes me quite content."
