Simon Ehammer is focusing on the long jump at the Olympic Games in Paris and has decided against taking part in the decathlon.
In the winter months, Ehammer was still considering a double start at the Summer Games. However, over the course of the spring, the World Championship bronze medallist in the long jump and European Championship silver medallist in the decathlon decided that he only wanted to back one horse at the highlight of the season. The goal is clear: a medal.
The fact that he has now opted for the long jump, as his management announced on Friday, comes as no surprise. The man from Appenzell had to realize that he would have to give up the decathlon, his great passion, in favour of his chances of a medal in the long jump. Due to his three-month injury break following shoulder surgery last fall, he still lacks routine and confidence, especially in the throwing disciplines, according to the Appenzeller.
Although the schedule in Paris would allow him to compete in both events, this hardly makes sense in view of the packed program: the decathlon on Friday and Saturday and then the qualification in the long jump on Sunday morning, followed by a day's break and possible participation in the final.
In the long jump, Ehammer belongs on the list of Olympic favorites. A new coup like at the 2022 World Championships in Eugene, where he won bronze, is definitely on the cards for the all-around specialist. His recent performances at the European Championships in Rome have shown that he is in good form. Before his bronze flight (to 8.31 m), Ehammer impressed in qualifying with a jump to 8.41 m. This left him just four centimeters short of his own Swiss record and he is number 2 in the season's best list.
Above all, Ehammer has improved his consistency with regular jumps over 8 meters. He lacks this in the decathlon, which was demonstrated not least by the failed competition in Götzis. It therefore comes as no surprise that Ehammer is fully committed to the long jump in Paris, as he did at the last two world championships. However, one of Ehammer's big long-term goals remains the Olympic decathlon in Los Angeles in 2028.
SDA
