Koala Marthe thrilled to win first Diamond League event

With African record holder, Ese Brume absent despite being listed for the long jump until 24 hours to the event, another African, Burkina Faso’s Koala Marthe still made the continent the centre of attention at the long jump pit at the Suzhou Diamond League meeting in Suzhou, China.

Koala, who played second fiddle to Brume at the African Games in Accra, Ghana leapt (6.68m) longest to win. It was his first win in the event in the Diamond League after coming close last September in Xiamen, China where she came second behind reigning World indoor and outdoor champion, Ivana Vuleta.

“I am very happy to win my first Diamond League win. The goal was to finish top three today, so to come out on top is great. I wanted to jump 6.90m today, but the most imoportant thing is the win. It is good preparation ahead of the Olympic Games,’ Koala said after the race.