Ekaterina Mikhailenko’s performance in the triple jump has been described by experts as one of the most promising results from the Kazakhstan U-16 Athletics Championships.
The girls’ triple jump event took place on June 26, the opening day of the national championships for athletes born in 2010–2011, held at the Olympic Training Centre stadium in Almaty Region.
Mikhailenko, 15 years old and representing Akmola Region, was the clear favourite. Less than a month and a half ago, at the same stadium, she won gold in both the long jump and triple jump at the Kazakhstan U-18 Championships (for athletes born in 2008–2009).
So it came as no surprise when she dominated again among her age group. All three of her counted jumps surpassed the 12-metre mark and landed in almost the exact same spot. Her best jump was 12.22 metres — meeting the first-class standard. She out-jumped the silver medallist by exactly 90 centimetres, while the gap between second and third place was just 3 centimetres.
Interestingly, the Kazakhstan Cup for senior athletes was being held at the same time and on the same field — June 26–28. Mikhailenko’s result would have earned her first place there as well.
June 26 – Kazakhstan U-16 Athletics Championships – Girls’ Triple Jump
- Ekaterina Mikhailenko (Akmola Region) – 12.22
- Yuliya Kirsanova (Karaganda Region) – 11.32
- Kira Knorr (Karaganda Region) – 11.29
In the photo: Medal ceremony for the girls’ triple jump (left to right) — Yuliya Kirsanova, Ekaterina Mikhailenko, Kira Knorr.
