Sun | May 12, 2024

OregonGoldRush | Tajay Gayle's chances of defending long jump title slim, says Francis

Published:Thursday | July 14, 2022 | 11:10 PM- Daniel Wheeler/Staff Reporter -
Defending World champion in the men's long jump, Tajay Gayle, leaps during a training session held at the Lane Community College in Oregon, United States, on Wednesday. Gayle, who sustained an injury in the national trials, is awaiting the decision of his
Gladstone Taylor/Multimedia Photo Editor
Defending World champion in the men's long jump, Tajay Gayle, leaps during a training session held at the Lane Community College in Oregon, United States, on Wednesday. Gayle, who sustained an injury in the national trials, is awaiting the decision of his coach on whether he will mount a defence of his title.

EUGENE, Oregon:

Stephen Francis, coach of World long jump champion Tajay Gayle, says that he is less than optimistic about his chances of defending the title at the World Athletic Championships, which starts on Friday.

Speaking from Lane Community College on Thursday where Gayle had his training session, Francis said that his main concern was that he has difficulty sprinting.

"At the moment from what I observed, he cannot really sprint. If he comes out tomorrow and he can't sprint I doubt if he is going to turn up for the event," Francis said.

"[But] we will see what happens tomorrow. A miracle may occur."

Gayle is still recovering from the bone bruise injury that he suffered at the National Championships in late June.

Gayle said on Monday that a decision would be made on Friday based on training.

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