At the World Para Athletics Championships in Kobe, German long jump champion Markus Rehm secured his seventh consecutive world title. Rehm, also known as the “blade jumper”, successfully defended his title by winning the gold medal in the men’s long jump T64 final. He edged out Americans Derek Loccident and Trenten Merrill by 61 centimeters to clinch the victory.
Rehm achieved a season-best jump of 8.30 meters at the Kobe Universiade Memorial Stadium, slightly short of his record 8.72-meter jump from over a year ago in Germany. Looking ahead to the Paris Paralympics, Rehm expressed optimism about the potential for even bigger jumps, possibly surpassing the 9-meter mark. He acknowledged the talent of his competitors and the increasing level of competition in the sport.
The 35-year-old emphasized the importance of improving the quality of para long jump and showcasing its excellence to fans. Rehm believes that better competition benefits the sport as a whole and is a driving force for advancement. He highlighted the need to demonstrate that para long jump can be just as exciting and impressive as its Olympic counterpart, encouraging fans to appreciate and support the sport.
In preparation for the Paris Paralympics, Rehm is determined to continue pushing the boundaries of his performance and inspiring others in the sport. As he celebrates his latest victory in Kobe, he remains focused on the future and the opportunities that lie ahead for para athletics on the global stage.