#athlos25

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Athlos25 Tara Davis-Woodhall. Athlos put a long jump pit in Times Square this year.

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........... amid the bustle of Times Square and under the gaze of tourists and fans, the long jump qualifiers unfolded, an unprecedented spectacle in which Olympic and world champion Tara Davis-Woodhall triumphed with a leap of 6.81 metres, achieved on her fourth and final attempt, to lead the group of finalists heading into the decisive day.  The American was followed by Britain's Jazmin Sawyers, second with 6.77 metres, and compatriot Quanesha Burks, third with 6.38. All three will compete in Friday's final at Icahn Stadium on Randall's Island, the stage for the grand closing show.

Before the start of the event, Davis-Woodhall took the microphone to address the crowd gathered between the Sephora and Disney Store shopfronts. "We deserve every second underneath the lights," she declared. "There's endless possibilities." Her words captured the spirit of an event that aims to give visibility and prestige to women's athletics disciplines, structured in three phases: the first in Times Square with the long jump; the second on Friday at Icahn Stadium with track and field finals; and the third, planned for next season, when the format will expand to include a team competition.