Brittney Reese wraps up her decorated career with silver in long jump
TOKYO — Many times during her historic career, four-time Olympian Brittney Reese won long jump competitions on her final attempt.
Her ability to come up big had helped her collect 10 Olympic and world championship medals, including a gold medal at the 2012 London Games.
Reese was in position to win an Olympic gold again Tuesday. She led for much of the competition before Malaika Mihambo of Germany took the lead by leaping 22 feet 11¾ inches on her final jump.
Laurel Hubbard, New Zealand weightlifter, is among the first openly transgender athletes to compete at the Olympics.
Reese, 34, had a final chance to win, but she came up short at 22-10½ and won the silver medal in the final event of her career.
“I had a great career,” she said. “I had a great journey. I’m just blessed. I’ve been in this sport for 13 years, so to finish my career with a silver, I really can’t complain. ... I’m used to beating people on the sixth jump. And I got beat on the sixth jump, so kind of funny to end my career that way. “
Tara Davis, a former Agoura High standout, finished sixth in her first Olympics. Her longest jump covered 22 feet 5¼ inches.
Davis, 22, said she was “sad” after not living up to her own expectations.
“But it put some fuel to my fire,” she said. “I will be back, and I will win gold.”
U.S. sprinter Gabrielle Thomas understands it won’t be easy trying to beat Elaine Thompson-Herah of Jamaica and others for gold in the 200-meter final.
Reese said she was retiring so that she can spend more time with her son.
The future of the sport, with athletes such as the 27-year-old Mihambo and Davis, is in good hands, Reese said. She was happy to have inspired the next generation.
“I was placed here to inspire,” she said, “and I did that in my career.”
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