Davis-Woodhall Sets World-Leading 7.20m Jump in LA

Tara Davis-Woodhall recorded a world-leading 7.20m long jump and a personal best 12.47 in the 100m hurdles at the USATF Los Angeles Grand Prix on Saturday (14). The World Athletics Continental Tour Gold meeting featured multiple meeting records and a French national record in the men’s hammer throw.

How did Tara Davis-Woodhall perform in Los Angeles?

Davis-Woodhall secured victory in the long jump with a 7.20m leap in the opening round. This mark is a world lead and adds two centimetres to the personal best she established indoors in February 2024. The performance moves her to equal 19th on the world all-time list, according to competition data.

The Olympic champion also recorded wind-assisted jumps of 7.09m, 7.25m, and 7.14m. She has now jumped beyond seven metres in 13 of her last 14 competitions, with her last defeat occurring at the 2023 World Championships.

In the 100m hurdles, Davis-Woodhall clocked a lifetime best of 12.47. She finished second behind Olympic champion Masai Russell, who set a meeting record of 12.26. World bronze medallist Grace Stark took third in 12.48.

Did You Know? The women’s hammer throw at the Los Angeles Grand Prix was the first contest in history where six women threw beyond 75 metres.

Which records were broken in the hammer throw and hurdles?

Yann Chaussinand won the men’s hammer throw with a throw of 82.44m. This mark set a meeting record and a world lead, improving Ethan Katzberg’s previous lead by one centimetre. The throw also broke a French national record that had stood for 26 years.

In the men’s 110m hurdles, Jamal Britt won in 12.99 (-0.1m/s), marking the first time he broke the 13-second barrier. This performance established a meeting record, as the discipline was held at the event for the first time. Britt beat Trey Cunningham (13.03) and world champion Cordell Tinch (13.15).

Expert Insight: Samantha Carter notes that Davis-Woodhall’s ability to maintain a seven-metre average across 13 of 14 events demonstrates a level of consistency that could make her the dominant force in the 2026 season. Similarly, Britt’s breakthrough under 13 seconds shifts his competitive standing heading into future championships.

Who else set meeting records at the Grand Prix?

Several athletes established new meeting marks across field and track events. Chase Jackson broke the women’s shot put record with a throw of 20.53m, while Valarie Sion broke her own record in the women’s discus with a final mark of 69.15m.

On the track, Anna Cockrell won the women’s 400m hurdles in 53.43, improving her own meeting record. Gabrielle Jennings also set a meeting record in the 3000m steeplechase, winning in 9:11.72 and finishing more than 11 seconds ahead of Lexy Halladay.

What were the results in the sprint and distance events?

Kenny Bednarek won the men’s 100m with a wind-assisted 9.72 (2.4m/s), finishing ahead of Christian Coleman (9.84) and Abdul-Rasheed Saminu (9.88). Sha’Carri Richardson took the women’s 100m in 10.99 (-0.2m/s), beating Kayla White (11.08).

In the 800m, Brandon Miller won in 1:43.94. He overtook 2023 world 1500m champion Josh Kerr in the final 100 metres. Other distance winners included Emily Mackay in the women’s 1500m (3:59.27) and Tshepo Tshite in the men’s 3000m (7:37.57).

In the women’s hammer, Brooke Andersen won with a meeting record of 79.09m. This result ended the winning streak of world and Olympic champion Camryn Rogers, who finished fourth with a throw of 76.50m.

What happens next for these athletes?

Given her current form, Davis-Woodhall may attempt to further climb the world all-time list in the long jump. Jamal Britt could look to lower his new personal best of 12.99 in upcoming 110m hurdles competitions. The women’s hammer throw field may see increased competition as more athletes approach the 75-metre mark.

Frequently Asked Questions

What was Tara Davis-Woodhall’s winning long jump mark?
She leaped a world-leading 7.20m in the opening round.

Who broke the French national record in the hammer throw?
Yann Chaussinand broke the 26-year-old national record with a throw of 82.44m.

Which athlete broke the 13-second barrier in the 110m hurdles?
Jamal Britt won the event in 12.99 seconds.

Which of these record-breaking performances do you find most impressive?