The American thrower says he much prefers outdoor athletics, but on Friday he won the world indoor title in Poland.
Chase Jackson won the United States’ first gold at the championships when he threw 20.14m in Torun on Friday (March 20).
An intriguing clash was expected between the two-time world champion Jackson and current indoor world champion Sarah Mitton of Canada, Olympic champion German Yemisie Ogunlie and current world and European champion Jessica Schilder of Holland.
But Jackson was the only thrower to break the 20m barrier as Mitton was second with 19.78m and Axelina Johansson third with a Swedish record of 19.75m.
Schilder and Ogunle finished fourth and fifth.
Jackson became the second American athlete to win this title, after Michelle Carter in 2016.
Canada’s Sarah Mytton secured the silver to add to her two gold medals in 2024 and 2025 after throwing 19.78m in the fourth round and matching it in the sixth.
Jackson said: “I wanted to come here and complete a full collection of World Hall medals. This was one of the medals I was chasing. I’m really proud of it. I wanted a big result, but I’m really happy with what I did today.
“I adapted my technique for indoor spaces. Me and my coach, we had a plan… and it worked. I still think I could have thrown further. I’m not a big fan of enclosed spaces, everyone knows that. This is my rest period, I probably won’t throw in again.”
“I’m happy for Chase. Before the competition, he told me that I should let him win at least one indoor title. Of course I was trying to beat him until the last attempt, but if I didn’t win, I’m glad he did. He would be happy if I won too.”
