Nafi Thiam becomes world heptathlon champion for the second time
Nafi Thiam crowned herself world heptathlon champion for the second time in her career in Eugene, Oregon, this morning. She had previously won World Championships gold in London (2017). The Olympic titles of Rio de Janeiro (2016) and Tokyo (2021) are also on her list of achievements. Thiam left the Dutch Anouk Vetter behind in the final 800 metres.
With 6,947 points she left the Dutch Anouk Vetter 80 points behind. American talent Anna Hall took bronze with 6,755 points. Noor Vidts finished in fifth place with 6,559 points.
Thiam had taken the lead in the second event on Sunday, the high jump, but was passed by Vetter in the javelin throw, the penultimate event, on Monday. To crown herself world champion for the second time after 2017, the two-time Olympic champion had to be 1.4 metres faster than the Dutch in the concluding 800 metres. She finished fifth in a personal best of 2:13.00, leaving Vetter seven seconds and nine hundredths behind. Vidts finished third in the 800 metres won by Hall in 2:06.67 in 2:08.50, also a personal record.
"This title brings a lot of emotions," explained Thiam. "The competition was very intense and stressful. It remained exciting until the end. I am very proud of my 800 metres. I gave my life for this title. It is a nice way to end."
Thiam had been struggling with finger and back injuries since the start of the season. "It's a great reward after a period of suffering. And it gives me confidence for what is yet to come. Given my preparation, I am amazed at my performance. I cried every day and wondered what was the best thing to do. Drop this championship and recover completely? When you see what I achieved today, it was crazy. I am proud."
© BELGA PHOTO JASPER JACOBS - Belgian athlete Nafissatou 'Nafi' Thiam celebrates on the podium after winning the women's heptathlon competition, at the 19th IAAF World Athletics Championships in Eugene, Oregon, USA, Monday 18 July 2022. The Worlds are taking place from 15 to 24 July, after being postponed in 2021 due to the ongoing corona virus pandemic.