LaQuan Nairn claims long jump in Lausanne Diamond League

LAUSANNE – A season best leap of 26 feet, 7.25 inches (8.11) secured a Diamond League victory for Arkansas alum LaQuan Nairn on a chilly 60s-degree evening in Switzerland.

“I´ve been preparing for this competition for two weeks,” noted Nairn, the 2022 Commonwealth champion. “Last year I came last in the Oslo Diamond League, so its´s amazing for me to be able to come first in Lausanne.

“I’m excited about the future and I’m happy with the W. Now I go back to the Bahamas, to compete in front of my family. I’m excited about that meet in front of my family in my hometown. I just want to go out there, execute, and have fun. Put on a show.”

A steady progression in the first three rounds moved Nairn into the lead. A first round 24-4.25 (7.42) was followed by a 25-7.25 (7.80). Then in the third round he connected on the winning distance into a -0.3 wind to pass the leading mark of 26-5.75 (8.07) by Miltiadis Tentoglou of Greece, the 2021 Tokyo Olympic champion and 2022 World silver medalist.

“Before the competition I had my whole mindset changed and that helped me to jump further,” added Nairn. “I’ll continue working hard for the Budapest World Championships and I aim to get a medal there.”