The Helmut-Körnig-Halle in Dortmund will be the venue for a special athletics highlight on January 18, 2025: Malaika Mihambo, the figurehead of German athletics and 2021 Olympic champion, will be competing at the Sparkassen Indoor Meeting. After an eventful season characterized by highs and challenges, the two-time world and European champion is ready to face the competition again - and spectators can look forward to world-class long jumps.

Malaika Mihambo is more than just one of Germany's most successful track and field athletes - she is a personality who radiates far beyond sport. Her social and ecological commitment has not only earned her recognition, but recently also the German Sustainability Award. She is also an author, has written a book and inspires people with her views and her life's journey.

In terms of sport, 2024 was a year of extremes: after an injury, she fought her way back, winning her second European title in June at the European Championships in Rome with an impressive 7.22 meters. However, a setback followed shortly afterwards - a coronavirus infection that prevented her from winning gold again at the Olympic Games in Paris. Despite the weakened preparation, the 30-year-old jumped to silver and once again proved her class.

“Fortunately, the infection was a while ago, but post-COVID has been with me for a while - and still is to some extent,” explained Mihambo in a recent interview. “However, it's getting better every day and I'm looking forward to competing again.”

Mihambo will face strong competition in Dortmund. One of her challengers is Mikaelle Assani, the fourth-placed athlete at the 2024 European Championships. The 22-year-old is considered one of Germany's biggest talents in the long jump and wants to give her role model Mihambo a run for her money. And 20-year-old Laura Raquel Müller (Unterländer LG), last year's winner of the Sparkassen Indoor Meeting and a European Championship and Olympic participant this summer, has also announced her intention to compete again. This triathlon of the generations promises excitement and top sporting performances

“We are delighted to have Malaika Mihambo back for our meeting,” says Yoshi Müller, Organizing Director of the Sparkassen Indoor Meeting. “She is not only a great athlete, but also an impressive personality who inspires everyone with her charisma.”

If you want to see Malaika Mihambo and other top athletes in action, you should get your tickets early. Advance ticket sales are available at www.ticketmaster.de and at all affiliated advance booking offices. Standing places are available from 7.50 euros, seats in two categories for 15.00 and 25.00 euros.

The Sparkassen Indoor Meeting in Dortmund is a must for sports fans - an event that guarantees athletics at the highest level. Mark January 18, 2025 in your calendar and be there live when Malaika Mihambo makes the hall shake!