09.02.2025

Athletes' opinions on the INIT INDOOR MEETING Karlsruhe 2025

Mikaelle Assani (GER) - 2nd place long jump

‘It felt incredible. As I said before, it was an emotional moment to run in at the athletes' presentation because I always think back to my beginnings here and it was very emotional. I just tried to tell myself: ‘This is your living room and you're here for a reason.’ And it just worked in the last attempt to take this feeling with me. Competing here as a local hero gave me that extra push I needed. I told myself that in my last attempt and was then able to put it into practice. I said to myself that I would come here and simply put on a show for the people who are here, who come from the region, and I managed to do that.’

Malaika Mihambo(GER) - 1st place long jump

‘I was very happy, I hadn't expected to set my personal best here and jump world lead. But it had seemed likely. There were two reasons why I only did three jumps: Firstly, I'm already jumping the next competition on Sunday. And secondly, the pace was too fast for me. I'm a jumper who puts everything into speed, so I also need breaks for regeneration. I'm in very good shape and I'm happy that I'm fit.’

Prudence Sekgodiso (RSA) - 1st place 800 metres

“The overall race was good. I tried to stay with the pace and managed to come through in the end. I enjoyed it very much. Looking at the starting list, I hoped to win. The atmosphere is really amazing, I would love to come back next year!”

Chase Jackson (USA) - 2nd place shot put

“It felt really good! I think I'm not quite as far as I would like to be with my stamina. Because I'm dying a lot faster than I want. But I'm finally seeing some things that I'm enjoying. 20 Meters - that's really good, but with people like Sarah running around, it's not good enough anymore. It was one of the best competitions I've done in the long time. The crowd was amazing with the cheering and clapping, that's why it was the best meet so far this indoor season. I'm hoping to compete at the World Indoor Championships in Nanjing.”

Sarah Mitton (CAN) - 1st place shot put

“As soon as the it leaves your hand, you know it's a really good one. I immediately knew it was going to be over 20. It matched my outdoor PB - in February! I'm really excited about it. There's a lot of good things to come. I loved the crowd! This is an amazing meet. The crowd was so engaged, surely because of Yemi, the Olympic champion. You can no longer just come out and throw 19.50 and expect to win. You have to keep pushing, there's always somebody at your heels. I'll stay in Germany for now and train in Mannheim and then I'll be going to Poland for the next Indoor Tour. A month full of competititions!”

Yemisi Ogunleye (GER) - 4th place shot put

‘I'm very happy with my performance today. To line up in such a high-calibre competition and then come out on top is something wonderful. You learn from it, you grow from it. It was a competition that went very well. My choir was here too. We got a few tickets and they were able to watch it live: some of the people I invited had never been to a competition before. They definitely had fun; I'm sure they did. Of course, you realise that you're a bit behind in terms of training. My coaching team and I know where we currently stand in training. The distances are outstanding. I take that with me; I take the atmosphere with me. I have resolved to simply have fun in the winter. Of course I want to take the tailwind from last year with me. I'm succeeding wonderfully and that's how I'll continue.’

Asier Martinez (ESP) - 3rd place 60 metres hurdles

“The race did not feel very good. My legs felt a little bit heavy. I'm preparing for the European Indoors, maybe even the World Indoors, so I'm not yet in my best shape. The crowd is amazing, they are supporting everyone. My next race will hopefully be in Liévin, I have to wait for the confirmation.”

Wilhem Belocian (FRA) - 1st place 60 metres hurdles

“It is very important to win a big meeting. I changed my rhythm a few weeks ago from eight steps to seven. So everything is still new for me. I do not yet feel comfortable, so I need to take it race by race to improve. My next race is in Paris on Sunday. I will be happy to run in front of a home crowd, but I love this crowd, too!”

Molly Caudery (GBR) - 1st place pole vault

"The crowd was amazing; they kept me going. You don´t get tired when all the lights are in your eyes. It was a great atmosphere."