ELIZABETH NDUDI HAS won gold for Ireland in the women’s long jump at the European Athletics U20 Championships in Jerusalem.
The Irish national senior champion put in a stunning round of jumps with her best leap of 6.56m (+1.4) smashing her own Irish U20 record of 6.44, which she posted just last month.
The result moved the Dundrum South Dublin AC athlete to second on the Irish all-time list behind Kelly Proper’s national record of 6.62i (2010).
“I’m in shock, I’m amazed how well the event went for me,” Ndudi said.
The winning jump from Elizabeth Ndudi ✨🥇#Jerusalem2023 @EuroAthletics @allathleticstv @Ask123ie pic.twitter.com/sL92SEK7Mx
— Athletics Ireland (@irishathletics) August 10, 2023
“I was confident in myself coming in here but it’s a huge improvement and to do it in such a high competition makes the national record so special.
“I really focused on my mental preparations as well as the physical side coming in here. I made sure to really get in the zone in the morning and evening before sessions.
“Last year I was a bit nervous and I think that’s why I didn’t post a big jump but today I came in here full of confidence, so I was mentally prepared.”
Ndudi, who came into this week’s championships ranked sixth, becomes Ireland’s first ever field event champion at European U20 level.
Earlier, the men’s 4×100 relay team secured their place in this evening’s final with a smooth 40.56 SB to qualify as one of the fastest non-automatic qualifiers. The final takes place at 5.05pm Irish time.
Report courtesy of Athletics Ireland
The 42 is on Instagram! Tap the button below on your phone to follow us!
