Jamaica’s Shanieka Ricketts continued her fine form on the international stage, claiming victory in the women’s triple jump at the Doha Diamond League with a season-best leap of 14.72 metres.
The silver medallist from the World Championships held off stiff competition from Olympic champion Thea LaFond, who secured second place with a jump of 14.29 metres. The result adds another chapter to the growing rivalry between the two world-class athletes, who are currently ranked second and third globally, both boasting personal bests of over 15 metres.
Guillaume Illionis finished third with a jump of 14.20 metres.
Ricketts’ consistency on the Diamond League circuit has been remarkable. The Jamaican now holds six Diamond League victories, including her 2019 title, while LaFond, despite her Olympic triumph, has just one win to her name in the series.
Adding extra interest to the event was the return of Ivana Španović. The five-time Diamond League long jump champion made her first triple jump appearance in three years, finishing sixth with a season-best of 13.76 metres.
As the season heats up, the battle between Ricketts and LaFond promises to be one of the highlights of the women’s triple jump, with both athletes eyeing further success on the Diamond League circuit and beyond.
