Dwight Phillips (USA) in action in the men's long jump final (© Getty Images)
Ostrava, Czech RepublicSo far the track has been the focus of the early signings for the IAAF Super Grand Prix Meeting in Ostrava on 12 June 2003, especially with Hicham El Guerrouj set to attempt his first senior 5000m race.
However, the Long Jump competition in Ostrava should also be of big local and international interest.
Local especially because the Czech Republic's Decathlon World record holder Roman Sebrle will use the event as part of his preparations in the build up to Paris, and also because the young Czech Petr Lampart, who jumped 8.18m last year to lead the world junior lists, will also compete.
The international aspect is provided by the appearance of the newly crowned IAAF World Indoor champion Dwight Phillips from USA.
In dramatic fashion at the championships in Birmingham’s NIA, Phillips secured the gold medal on his last jump of 8.29m which was also his indoor personal best. He had been leading since his second round attempt with 8.23m, but in the last round Yago Lamela of Spain had taken the lead with 8.28m. But Phillips showing excellent competitive tenacity was able to respond.
Phillips’ Ostrava appearance will be one of two competitions he is planning to do in Europe before the USA national trials (18-22 June) at which he will attempt to qualify for the 9th IAAF World Championships in Paris (23-31 August).
His outdoor PB was achieved in Europe - at last year’s Linz GP meet with 8.38m, and he jumped over 8 metres in all his 2002 summer and 2003 indoor competitions.
Currently, Phillips is with Savanthe Stringfellow, the joint world number one in IAAF Rankings. He was 7th at the Sydney Olympic Games, and 8th at the 2001 World Championships in Edmonton but could not take his last 3 attempts due to injury.
Also a very quick sprinter, he bettered his indoor 60m PB with an excellent 6.59 in Erfurt this winter (also best of 10.16 at 100m), and the Ostrava organizers are hoping that Phillips can make a credible attack on the meet record of 8.35m held by Ivan Pedroso (Cuba, 1998).
Alfons Juck for the IAAF
