International High Jump Meeting
On Thursday, August 27, 2026, Dessau’s market square will once again become a spectacular sports arena. At the International DVV Stadtwerke High Jump Meeting, starting at 5:30 p.m., top international athletes will gather against the impressive backdrop of Dessau City Hall to deliver world-class competition—right in the heart of downtown, with free admission.
**World-Class Action on the Market Square**
Once again this year, the meet will feature a high-caliber international field of competitors. Already
confirmed are, among others:
Ernest John Obiena (Philippines)
– Asian record holder with a jump of 6.00 meters, 2023 World Championship silver medalist, and one of the best pole vaulters in the world.
Ben Broeders (Belgium) – bronze medalist at the 2024 European Championships and U23 European champion.
Cole Walsh (USA) and Hunter Garretson (USA) – two strong athletes from one of the world’s leading pole vaulting nations.
Alex Gracia (Spain) – Spanish indoor champion.
The top German athletes Marec Metzger (2026 German Champion), Fabio Wünsche (2026 German runner-up), and Gillian Ladwig (2025 German Champion).
A total of 12 to 14 international jumpers are expected. Additional names will be announced in the coming days.
Experience Sports Up Close
What makes the Dessau Meeting special: Spectators are right in the thick of the action instead of just watching from the sidelines. Nowhere else can you experience world-class track and field up close like you can on the Marktplatz. As always, admission is free—just stop by, cheer on the athletes, and enjoy top-level sports.
Young Athletes Take the Stage First
Starting at 3:00 p.m., the facility belongs to the youngest sports fans. At the popular “Market Square Sprint,” all children can sprint down the original pole vault runway for free and without registration, and feel like the big stars for a moment.
“With Ernest John Obiena, Ben Broeders, and top athletes from the U.S., Spain, and Germany,
spectators can once again look forward to a world-class international field. Our goal is to bring world-class track and field right into the heart of the city—and that’s exactly what we’ll achieve again this year. At the same time, we’re
delighted that the Marktplatzsprinter allows even the youngest athletes to be part of this special day,” says meeting director Ralph Hirsch.
International DVV
Stadtwerke High Jump Meeting
Thursday, August 27, 2026
Dessau-Roßlau Market Square
3:00 p.m.: Market Square Sprint for children
5:30 p.m.: Start of the
international pole vault meeting
Free admission