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The triple jumper Andy Díaz, born in Cuba and naturalized Italian, became the world champion indoors this Friday, with a jump of 17.80 meters in Nanjing (China).
This mark, achieved on the first attempt, secured the title without the need for further attempts after a no-mark in their second participation in the Nanjing 2025 World Indoor Athletics Championships.
Díaz, 29 years old, has added her third international medal in less than a year, after winning bronze at the Paris Olympics and being crowned indoor European champion in Apeldoorn (Netherlands) just two weeks ago.
The podium was completed by Chinese athlete Yaming Zhu, the Olympic runner-up at Tokyo 2020, with a jump of 17.33 meters, and Burkina Faso's Hugues Fabrice Zango, who secured the bronze medal with a mark of 17.15 meters, ascending to the podium following the disqualification of Brazilian Almir Dos Santos for failing to comply with footwear regulations.
Andy Díaz's performance not only earned him the world gold medal but also set a new national record for Italy and placed him fifth on the all-time indoor track list. Furthermore, his jump of 17.80 meters is the third-best mark in the history of the Indoor World Championships and the best since 2010.
"My plan was not to jump just once, but the long waiting periods between attempts made me conserve energy. I feel strong and confident for the summer season," Díaz declared.
The Cuban-Italian trains in Rome under the guidance of Fabrizio Donato, Olympic medalist in London 2012.
The Cuban Lázaro Martínez, world indoor champion in Belgrade 2022, had an unexpected performance, finishing with just one valid jump of only 14.04 meters, placing fourteenth.
With this new victory, Andy Díaz reaffirms his dominance in the triple jump and positions himself as one of the top favorites for the upcoming Olympic Games.
In the men's triple jump final of the 2024 Paris Olympic Games, three Cuban-born athletes excelled on the podium: Jordan Díaz (gold for Spain), Pedro Pichardo (silver for Portugal), and Andy Díaz (bronze for Italy). Ironically, Cuba's representative, Lázaro Martínez, did not win a medal.
Frequently Asked Questions about Andy Díaz's Triumph and the Context of Cuban Athletics
How did Andy Díaz win the world championship with Italy?
Andy Díaz was crowned world champion in indoor athletics with a jump of 17.80 meters on his first attempt in Nanjing, China. This jump secured him the title without the need for more attempts, establishing a new national record for Italy.
What does Andy Díaz's victory mean for Cuban athletics?
The success of Andy Díaz, now competing for Italy, highlights the exodus of talented Cuban athletes who are seeking better opportunities abroad. His international victory contrasts sharply with the situation of sports in Cuba, where the lack of resources and support hampers the development of local athletes.
What are Andy Díaz's recent achievements before the World Cup?
Andy Díaz has earned three international medals in less than a year, including the bronze at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games and the title of indoor European champion in Apeldoorn, Netherlands, showcasing his consistency and talent in the triple jump.
How does the situation of Cuban athletes abroad affect the sports image of Cuba?
The migration of Cuban athletes who achieve international success for other countries highlights the deficiencies of the Cuban sports system. This phenomenon reflects the need for structural changes and greater support to retain and develop local talent.
What other Cuban athletes have had to emigrate to achieve international success?
In addition to Andy Díaz, other prominent Cuban athletes such as Jordan Díaz and Pedro Pichardo have emigrated and achieved success representing other countries, such as Spain and Portugal, respectively. This highlights a trend of seeking better conditions to develop their sports careers.
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