Great competition for long jumpers at Hanžeković

The upcoming Boris Hanžeković Memorial in Zagreb promises an exceptional display of long jump talent, with organizers highlighting an unprecedented concentration of quality athletes. While the event has historically attracted top international competitors, including former world champion Luvo Manyonga, this year's start list is particularly strong.

Among the featured athletes are current world indoor champion Gerson Balde of Portugal, who recently improved his personal best to 8.46 meters, and Cuban teenager Jorge A. Hodelin. Hodelin set a new world junior record with a jump of 8.46 meters in Paris just days ago. Also competing is Jamaican Tajay Gayle, a World Championships medalist with a personal best of 8.69 meters, who has already jumped 8.32 meters this season.

The field also includes Cuban Olympic silver medalist and former world indoor champion Juan Miguel Echevarría, whose personal best is 8.68 meters. American long jumper Jarion Lawson, a silver medalist at the 2017 World Championships with a personal best of 8.58 meters, will also be present. These elite athletes, many capable of jumps exceeding 8.5 meters, will face strong competition from Croatia's top long jumpers, Filip Pravdica and Marko Čeko.

Filip Pravdica has already achieved a mark of 8.09 meters this year, with his personal and Croatian record standing at 8.35 meters. Marko Čeko will have the opportunity to push his performance with the high level of competition at the 76th Boris Hanžeković Memorial, aiming to approach his best jumps of over eight meters.