Triumph over adversity for Topic
World Student Games
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.World Student Games
Dragutin Topic's gold medal in the men's high jump at the yesterday represents a supreme triumph over adversity, writes Rob Dorsett from Fukuoka, Japan.
The Yugoslavian athlete has competed in less than 10 international competitions since the Barcelona Olympics of 1992, due in most part to the international sanctions instigated against his country.
His victory is an oasis in a desert of troubles. He already holds the world junior record of 2.37m, and won the senior European Championships in 1990, despite being a junior at the time. Next year he could be challenging the best in the world.
Britain's Brendan Reilly won bronze with a jump of 2.27m - 2cm behind the Yugoslavian. It was his best clearance so far in a season which has been another disappointment for a man with so much raw talent.
David Grindley's comeback was halted when he failed to qualify for the final of the 400m, despite running his fastest time this year - 46.15 sec - in finishing fifth.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments