Šutej, Little runner-up, Morris third in first Diamond League
DOHA, Qatar – The first Diamond League meet of the 2023 season produced a pair of runner-up finishes for Tina Šutej and Shamier Little, while Sandi Morris finished third.
Šutej equaled her outdoor Slovenia national record in clearing 15-7.25 (4.76) to finish second to the world-leading height of 15-9.25 (4.81) for winner Katie Moon.
“I didn’t know what to expect coming into the competition, because in practice I only jumped with smaller poles so I didn’t know how it will go, and I just enjoyed the whole atmosphere and everything,” said Šutej.
“Even though it was a bit difficult with the wind, still I felt good, and I jumped well. I used my new pole, so you know I’m trying to get adjusted to them, I still have a lot of work to do, but I felt good today.”
Early heights required a couple of attempts at 14-7.25 (4.45) and 14-11 (4.55) for Šutej. Then she made 15-2.25 (4.63) on a first attempt. With the field of nine whittled down to three, Šutej needed a third attempt to get over 15-5.5 (4.71). A second attempt clearance at 15-7.25 (4.76) moved her into second place. Then she had three misses at 15-9.25 (4.81).
“My last attempt was pretty good even though I was very tired, because I had a lot of jumps,” said Šutej. “My take off wasn’t ideal, that’s why I lost the energy at the top. So, I have to fix that, and have more jumps during the competition.
“My goal for 2023 is to jump high and break records and win medals.”
Morris cleared 15-5.5 (4.71) for third placed, her fourth height with first-attempt clearances. After missing one attempt at 15-7.25 (4.76), Morris passed to 15-9.25 (4.81) and missed twice.
“Today was my opening competition, I haven’t competed since the Diamond League final last season,” noted Morris. “I had a coaching change, so I’m really pleased with opening at 4.71 and to be in the top three.
“Today was really about executing some good jumps and just getting my feet underneath me. I’m really happy with it. I’m competing in Los Angeles at the end of May, as well as in the Diamond League meets in Florence and Paris.”
Little posted a time of 50.84 to finish second in the 400m behind a 50.51 by Paulino Marileidy of Dominica while Poland’s Natalia Kaczmarek placed third in 51.64.
“It was a good race, I remained consistent and I’m happy with the result,” noted Little. “My next race will be in Rabat Diamond League on May 28th.”
In the triple jump, Jah-Nhai Perinchief finished sixth with a mark of 55-3.75 (16.86). Portugal’s Pedro Pichardo won with a windy mark of 58-9.25 (17.91) while runner-up Hugues Fabrice Zango set the world-leading mark of 58-5.25 (17.81) for the 2023 outdoor season.
