The Prefontaine Classic to Feature Star-Studded Long Jump Lineup
The Prefontaine Classic is set to showcase the world’s best long jumpers, including all three Olympic medalists from the 2016 Rio Games. The event will feature a thrilling battle between the American duo of Tianna Bartoletta and Brittney Reese, who secured a historic 1-2 finish at the Olympics.
Brittney Reese, 30, is the most accomplished athlete in the field, boasting an impressive eight major medals, seven of them gold. Despite claiming silver in Rio, Reese finished the season ranked world No. 1 by Track & Field News for the sixth time, cementing her status as the long jump’s dominant force. The two-time Olympian won the Prefontaine Classic in 2016 after setting a personal best of 23-11¾ (7.31m) to claim her 10th U.S. title.
Reese’s teammate, Tianna Bartoletta, 31, pulled off a stunning double gold in Rio, winning the long jump and leading off the victorious 4x100m relay team. Bartoletta’s remarkable big-meet timing has been on display since 2005, when she won the World Championships as a 19-year-old with a then-personal best of 22-7¼ (6.89m). Her current lifetime best of 23-6¼ (7.17m) came in her Olympic triumph.
“I’m excited to compete against Brittney Reese again. We’ve had a great rivalry over the years, and I’m looking forward to another thrilling competition.” – Tianna Bartoletta
Serbia’s Ivana Spanovic, 27, will also be in action, having claimed bronze in Rio. Since then, she has been on a tear, winning the Diamond League trophy and setting a new personal best of 23-9 (7.24m) at the European Indoor Championships in March.
Other top contenders include Britain’s Lorraine Ugen, 25, who has finished third at the Prefontaine Classic for the past two years, and Estonia’s Ksenija Balta, 26, who was ranked world No. 4 in 2017.
Fans can follow the event lineups and start lists on the Prefontaine Classic website, with the meet taking place on May 26-27 at Hayward Field in Eugene, Oregon. The meet will be broadcast live on NBC, showcasing the world’s best long jumpers, including the Olympic gold and silver medalists, Brittney Reese and Tianna Bartoletta.
🔗 Source
