For the 22-year-old Bernese and the 24-year-old Grisons native, this marks their first-ever podium finish at the elite global level. Just two weeks after her European title, Ditaji Kambundji clocked the second-fastest time of her career, 7.73 seconds. She was edged out by just one hundredth of a second by world record holder Devynne Charlton from the Bahamas. The top six finishers were separated by a mere four hundredths of a second. After four European podium finishes, the ST Berne athlete continues her remarkable ascent.
A few hours earlier, Annik Kälin had also claimed her first global medal, winning silver in the long jump. She secured it on her final attempt with a leap of 6.83m. Having finished fourth in the heptathlon at the Paris Olympics, she may compete in both the long jump and combined events at the outdoor World Championships in Tokyo this September.
However, she will not be seen at Athletissima on August 20, as her main events are not on the program. But other Swiss medalists and finalists from Nanjing are expected to participate: Mujinga Kambundji (winner of the 60m) and her sister Ditaji, Angelica Moser (bronze in pole vault), Simon Ehammer (9th in long jump), and Audrey Werro.
The 20-year-old from Fribourg delivered an outstanding performance in the 800m on Sunday, setting a Swiss record of 1:59.81. However, she missed the bronze medal by just one hundredth of a second, having leaned forward too early before the finish line and getting overtaken at the last moment.
Swiss athletes (especially the women) achieved the best World Championships in Swiss Athletics history in China. A promising sign for Athletissima, though the podiums there may be even harder to reach.
