Fabrice Lapierre wins long jump SILVER at Portland

Fabrice Lapierre has won men’s long jump silver at the IAAF World Indoor Championships with a new national indoor record of 8.25m.

Soaring to his medal winning mark with a clutch third round leap that rocketed him from 10th position to second, the performance ensures back-to-back podium finishes on the global stage after he won a stunning silver at the IAAF World Championships in Beijing (CHN) last year.

He now joins Sally Pearson, Steve Hooker, Tamsyn Lewis-Manou and Melinda Gainsford-Taylor on an illustrious list of green and gold charges who have won two medals at the IAAF World Indoor Championships.

“I’m feeling great. My first two jumps I didn’t get it right on the runway, my approach was terrible actually, but my third one was great and I did what I needed to get another jump. I was pretty excited after that, knowing that I was in the mix for a medal,” Lapierre said.

“The goal for me was the gold medal, it’s always been the same. I thought I could have done that here, but this result makes me know that there is more to come this outdoor season. I just have to keep doing what I am doing and I am confident I can deliver a podium finish in Rio.”

Lapierre has a great history of success on the long jump runway, with his trophy cabinet also boasting a Commonwealth Games gold and bronze medal, the 2010 world indoor title and four Australian championships alongside his IAAF World and IAAF World Indoor Championships silvers.

He is scheduled to return to his home town of Sydney (NSW) this week ahead of the Australian Athletics Championships, where victory will guarantee his automatic nomination for selection to the Australian Olympic Team.

“I’m looking forward to getting back to Australia. I love coming home and I love competing there,” Lapierre said.

“To have the Nationals at my home track in an Olympic year is awesome. It’s my favourite track in the country and I’m excited about getting out there and seeing what I’m capable of.”

The 32-year-old Lapierre has enjoyed a meteoric return to form since relocating to Phoenix (USA) where he is now coached by Dan Pfaff, training alongside athletes including the London 2012 Olympic Games gold and silver medallists, Greg Rutherford and Mitchell Watt.

“The environment where I am now is amazing, with amazing athletes all around me. Going to training is a very positive experience, going to the gym is a lot of fun and I haven’t really had that before,” Lapierre added.

“I’m an older athlete now yet I’m learning every day. I’m improving every day and seeing things in my training that I haven’t noticed before. I’ve still got plenty to give and my training environment is a big reason for that.”

Brett Robinson joined Lapierre on the field of play for the final day of competition at the IAAF World Indoor Championships, competing in the final of the men’s 300m. Stopping the clock at 8:11.11, he placed 11th.