Elizabeth Ndudi wins gold in the Long Jump at the European U20 Championships today, August 10, becoming Ireland’s first ever field medalist at those championships.
Ndudi sets a new Irish U20 record with a jump of 6.56m, shattering the previous record of 6.44m, also held by her.
“I was really happy because I had this goal to get into those 6.5os, 6.60s and this was my last competition to do so because I didn’t do any of those jumps beforehand. I’ve fulfilled my goals and I’m just amazed,” said Ndudi in a post race interview.
Last year, Ndudi finished seventh in the same event. “Last year I was very disappointed with my place,” she said, “this is redemption for that.”
The winning jump from Elizabeth Ndudi ✨🥇#Jerusalem2023 @EuroAthletics @allathleticstv @Ask123ie pic.twitter.com/sL92SEK7Mx
— Athletics Ireland (@irishathletics) August 10, 2023
Ndudi, who represents Ireland internationally and also competes for her club, Dundrum South Dublin AC, won both the national senior indoor and outdoor long jump titles this year, as well as holds both the indoor and outdoor Irish U20 records.
“I knew I owed it to myself to get on that podium. I knew that was something I really really wanted” said Ndudi, “I think my younger self would be very happy.”
And it's European GOLD for Elizabeth Ndudi in this year's U20 European Championships🥇
She takes the title in style with a new Irish National U20 Record of 6.56 on her 3rd attempt! An outstanding performance from Ndudi🤩
She takes the first ever Jumps medal at these… pic.twitter.com/QibK1PYhlI— Athletics Ireland (@irishathletics) August 10, 2023
Yesterday, August 9, the 18-year old jumped a 6.37. Today, August 10, in her third jump, she jumped a personal best.
"I was so hungry to win. Since I qualified for the Championships my goal was I want to win this...I will be U20 Long Jump Champion, and now I've done it.”
Result:
1. Elizabeth Ndudi (IRL) 6.56 NU20R
2. Plamena Mitkova (BUL) 6.54 SB
3. GER Laura Raquel Muller (GER) 6.51 PB
