Murali Sreeshankar etched his name in Indian athletics history on Wednesday, becoming the nation’s first long jumper to win two Commonwealth Games medals after bagging a silver medal in Glasgow.
After winning silver at Birmingham 2022, Sreeshankar added another CWG medal to his collection with a best jump of 8.09m. The achievement marked a brilliant comeback for Sreeshankar, who returned to the podium after a career-threatening knee injury had left his future in the sport uncertain.
Before Sreeshankar’s achievement, India had won only three CWG medals in the long jump: Suresh Babu claimed men’s bronze in 1978, while Anju Bobby George (women’s bronze, 2002) and M Prajusha (women’s silver, 2010) were the other medallists.
Former world champion Tajay
Gayle of Jamaica claimed the gold medal with a winning leap of 8.15m, while home favourite Stephen Mackenzie bagged the final podium spot with an effort of 8.08m to take bronze.
The medal was sweet considering where Sreeshankar stood just over a year ago.
A ruptured patellar tendon in April 2024 forced Sreeshankar to undergo surgery and ruled him out of what was expected to be his maiden Olympic appearance in Paris. The setback also raised doubts over whether he would ever be able to return to his explosive best.
But in Glasgow, Sreeshankar gave another emphatic statement of his comeback.
Competing at his second CWG after missing the 2018 edition, Sreeshankar made a strong start with an opening jump of 8.03m. He improved further in his second attempt, producing an 8.09m leap to move into the lead.
The advantage proved short-lived as Jamaica’s Gayle responded with an 8.15m effort to seize top spot.
Sreeshankar then endured two fouls as he searched for a bigger jump before managing 7.94m in his fifth attempt.
The medal continues an encouraging resurgence for Sreeshankar, who has jumped above the 8m mark this year.
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