The Bernese woman missed an exploit over 100 m at the European Athletics Championships in Rome and had to settle for 8th place.
Two years ago in Munich, a few thousandths of a second were against Mujinga Kambundji, but in Rome it was now a few hundredths of a second: in the final over 100 m, she had to admit defeat to the entire competition in 11.15 seconds and came eighth. Winner Dina Asher-Smith (GBR) ran in 10.99 s, 16 hundredths of a second faster than the Bernese.
At the last European Championships, Kambundji won silver, just behind the German Gina Lückenkemper. The defending champion had to settle for fifth place this year. Silver went to the Polish Ewa Swoboda, and bronze went to local Zaynab Dosso.
«Button has come loose»
The 31-year-old Kambundji still considers her competition a success: Before the European Championships, her season best was “only” 11.22 seconds, which she improved to 11.09 in the semi-finals. “I’m glad the problem has been solved,” she said afterwards, satisfied.
The final had already started badly for Kambundji: In her first attempt she had started too early and was cautioned with a yellow card.
Kora and Frey exactly the same speed
The other two Swiss women in the field were already stuck in lockstep in the semi-finals. Both Salomé Kora and Géraldine Frey finished 6th in their respective heats in 11.29 seconds.
The time is a slight disappointment, especially for Kora from St. Gallen: in Basel three weeks ago she equalled her personal best of 11.12 seconds. “I am very dissatisfied and cannot explain it. I simply could not get my knees up,” she said afterwards.
Frey from Zug qualified for the semi-finals via the preliminary rounds and can be satisfied with her performance. “I can take a lot away from this race,” she summed up.