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Famous misses out on final in Finland

Bermuda high jumper Sakari Famous

Sakari Famous failed to advance to the high jump final, finishing eleventh in group A at the IAAF World Under-20 Athletic Championships in Tampere, Finland.

Famous, who has a personal best of 1.80 metres, started off by clearing the bar at 1.70 before failing in her attempts at 1.74.

The best jumps in the two groups were 1.84, which 11 of the 12 jumpers cleared to qualify for the final.

The last of the qualifiers was Jamaica’s Lamara Distin, who finished seventh in group B with a jump of 1.82 metres. She has competed against Famous at the Carifta Games since 2014, winning the gold medal at this year’s event.

“Conditions were very hot, but she finally had an off day at a major competition,” coach Rohaan Simons said of Famous’s performance in Finland.

“The lack of recovery from travelling took a toll on her ability to compete at her full 100 per cent.

“I also feel we only had a half day to squeeze in a half-hour training session on Thursday, then compete the next day. It was not ideal conditions to compete against the world’s elite, but I remain extremely proud of her efforts and attitude towards her competition.

“She’s in better spirits at the moment after feeling the pain of disappointment. It’s a learning experience and I know that she will pick herself up and push forward here.”