Miltiadis Tentoglou at the World Athletics Ultimate Championship (© Getty Images)
When Miltiadis Tentoglou was beaten to the Diamond League title in Brussels last week, he vowed to end the season on a high at the World Athletics Ultimate Championship Budapest 26. The Greek long jumper delivered on that promise, taking the title with 8.35m.
As was the case in Rome and Zurich earlier this year, the margins were tight. Tentoglou opened with 8.16m to take an early lead, then improved to 8.35m in the second round.
European indoor champion Bozhidar Saraboyukov, meanwhile, opened with 8.09m and world indoor heptathlon champion Simon Ehammer went out to 8.07m in round two.
Tentoglou produced another solid jump, 8.27m, in round three, while Saraboyukov improved to 8.17m that same round. Tajay Gayle, who beat Tentoglou to the Diamond League title in Brussels last week, jumped a best of 7.90m in round three but it was only enough for fifth place as the Jamaican missed out on taking a fourth and final attempt.
Tentoglou ended with another strong effort but it was ruled a foul. Saraboyukov then produced his best mark of the night and for a brief moment it seemed as though he may have usurped his Greek rival, but it was eventually measured at 8.34m, consolidating his runner-up placing.
This is the latest – and fitting – addition to Tentoglou’s impressive collection of honours, alongside his two Olympic titles, 2023 world gold, two world indoor titles, four European titles and three European indoor crowns.
"I always say that jumping far is more important to me than winning, but tonight I was happy to add another global title to my collection," said Tentoglou. "I was hoping to jump farther tonight, but I'm happy that I still had my best season ever; I had so many jumps over 8.40m and 8.50m, and I improved my PB to 8.66m."
Jon Mulkeen for World Athletics
