When the big athletics stage is set up, Mujinga Kambundji (29) is not far. And most of all, it’s fast. Especially at these Olympic Games: In the 100 m sprint she runs in 6th place, over 200 m in 7th place. Two disciplines, twice against top-class competition, twice in the finals.
An achievement that cannot be overestimated in the world sport of athletics. No wonder Kambundji says about himself: This is the best Mujinga of all time!
“I’m much better than I was in Doha two years ago,” she explains. A remarkable set, after all, she sprinted over 200 m to bronze at the World Championships. “In Doha I was more successful in terms of medals, but here I demonstrated a completely different level.” In Tokyo, Kambundji shows that she can keep up with the world class, equalizing her Swiss records three times. «It is easier for me to win a preliminary run and to be able to run easily. It wasn’t like that two years ago. Meanwhile, the top runners see me as a competitor. I have a completely different consistency, I want to continue that for the next few years. “
In Rio, the final was not yet realistic
A promise that Sport Switzerland likes to hear. The 2014 Mujinga, which immediately became a fan-favorite at the European Championships in Zurich with finals over 100 and 200 m and despite the baton mishap, has become the world-class runner Kambundji. This can also be seen in comparison to the last games in Rio. Kambundji: “I went there and knew: I want to go to the semi-finals. A final was not realistic. “
Olympia 2020: Can Kambundji and Del Ponte dream of a sprint medal?
Now everything is different, now she is one of those on the Olympic team who have to pull the cart to deliver the results. After qualifying for the Olympic final in the 200 m, she interrupts the conversation briefly when she answers journalists’ questions after her run. The reason: The run of the 400 m semi-final of the young Ticino top talent Ricky Petrucciani is shown live on TV. Kambundji, a star of the international sprint, who could talk about her grandiose 200m final qualification, waits for a moment in one of the greatest moments of her career to cheer for a young Swiss hope. That’s class.
Kambundji can ignite a new stage
If she actually has the faster times she is convinced of in her legs, a new step can also be ignited on the track. For example at the World Championships in the USA next summer.
But it’s not that far yet, she still has plans for the 4 x 100 m relay at the Olympics. The medal is ready. Kambundji has already more than earned it.