South African long jump star Luvo Manyonga delivered a commanding performance on Thursday evening, winning the men’s long jump at the Grand Slam Jerusalem with a best effort of 8.35 metres (+2.6 m/s wind). The result marks his best performance under any conditions since returning to competition following the completion of a four-year anti-doping ban in December 2024.
Competing at Givat Ram Stadium as part of the World Athletics Continental Tour Silver meeting, the 35-year-old former world champion was in a class of his own. He comfortably outperformed the field, with Romania’s Gabriel Biţan finishing second on 7.91 m.
Manyonga’s winning jump came during a dominant series in which he consistently produced strong distances, showcasing the explosive technique that established him among the world’s elite in his prime. Observers also noted his assured presence throughout the competition, including moments where he offered encouragement and technical advice to fellow athletes between rounds — a gesture reflecting both experience and sportsmanship.
“This is just the beginning,” Manyonga said afterwards. “I’ve been working hard to get back to where I belong, and today felt like a big step forward.”
A remarkable comeback story
Manyonga’s victory carries added significance given his turbulent journey. Born in Paarl, he rose to global prominence with Olympic silver at Rio 2016 and a world title in London 2017, where he jumped 8.48 m. He also holds the African record of 8.65 m, set in 2017.
Personal struggles with addiction and subsequent anti-doping violations led to a four-year suspension, ruling him out of competition until late 2024. Since his return, he has steadily rebuilt his form, with Thursday’s performance representing his strongest outdoor result in several years.
While the +2.6 m/s tailwind renders the jump ineligible for record purposes, it remains valid for competition and serves as a clear statement of intent for the remainder of the 2026 season.
Looking ahead
The victory in Jerusalem will boost Manyonga’s confidence as he targets further strong performances on the international circuit. With the African Championships and potential Diamond League appearances on the horizon, the veteran is intent on proving he can still compete at the highest level.
“South Africa is proud of you, Luvo,” read one of many messages shared on social media as fans celebrated the result.
For Manyonga, Thursday’s win was more than just another victory — it was a powerful reminder that one of athletics’ most gifted and resilient talents is once again soaring on the international stage.