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The triple jump once again confirmed in Tokyo 2025 that the Cuban school continues to set the global standard, albeit under different flags.
The gold was won by the Cuban nationalized Portuguese Pedro Pablo Pichardo, with an impressive jump of 17.91 meters, while the bronze went to Lázaro Martínez, the only official representative of Cuba in the final, who recorded 17.49 meters, his best mark of the season.
The silver medal went to the Italian Andrea Dallavalle, with a personal best of 17.64 meters.
Three Cubans, three flags
The men's triple jump final had a distinctly Cuban flavor.
Of the six athletes trained on the Island who arrived in Tokyo, three reached the decisive stage: Pichardo (Portugal), Andy Díaz (Italy), and Martínez (Cuba).
However, only two managed to reach the podium. The most notable absence was that of Jordan Díaz, the current Olympic champion with Spain, who was unable to compete due to an injury during the qualifying round.
The misfortune of Jordan Díaz
Díaz, at just 23 years old and a hero of Paris 2024, suffered a serious tear in his right quadricep during his first attempt.
He arrived at the competition visibly impaired, with kinesiology tapes on both legs to protect old injuries to his patellar tendon. The jump was null, and the injury forced him to leave the stadium without being able to defend his title.
"This is sport, when you push your body to the limit. You have to keep going and prepare for next year," he declared resignedly to the Spanish Athletics Federation.
Paris 2024, a precedent
Less than a year ago, the Olympic podium in Paris was dominated by Cubans under three different flags.
Jordan Díaz took the crown with a jump of 17.86 meters, pushing Pichardo (17.84 m) into second place, while Andy Díaz secured the bronze with 17.64. On that occasion, the notable absentee from the podium was Martínez, who finished in eighth place.
Tokyo has allowed him to redeem himself with a bronze medal that tastes like revenge.
The Cuban women also won gold and bronze
The Cuban delegation also celebrated in the women's sector.
The young Leyanis Pérez Hernández, 22 years old, won the gold medal in the triple jump with an outstanding record of 14.94 meters, the best mark in the world for the season.
The gold went to Thea LaFond (Dominica, 14.89 m), while the legendary Venezuelan Yulimar Rojas settled for bronze (14.76 m).
With this result, Pérez not only reaffirmed his meteoric rise, but also dethroned the multi-time Olympic and world champion in a historic night.
On the other hand, in the album release, Cuba achieved a bronze medal thanks to the meritorious performance of Silinda O. Morales.
The 25-year-old from Camagüey threw the disc 67.25 meters to secure a spot on the podium behind American Valarie Allman (69.49 m) and Dutch representative Jorinde Van Klinken (67.50 m).
Cuba reaffirms its dominance in women's discus at world championships with eight medals (2 gold, 3 silver, 3 bronze) and ranks eighth in the historical medal table by countries with 22 gold, 25 silver, and 17 bronze.
A school that transcends borders
Beyond the flags, the results in Tokyo highlight the relevance of Cuban triple jump as one of the most fertile breeding grounds in world athletics.
Although many of its representatives have had to emigrate to achieve stability and recognition, the technique and rigorous training on the Island continue to produce champions.
Pichardo: From Abandonment to Success
The story of Pedro Pablo Pichardo illustrates that paradox. After leaving the Cuban delegation in 2017, he found in Portugal the platform to develop himself.
Nationalized in 2017 and authorized to compete for the Portuguese country in 2019, he has since won European, Olympic, and now world titles with Benfica. “I don’t regret leaving Cuba; it has been the best decision of my life,” he confessed in an interview.
His account of hardships on the Island contrasts with his present: sleeping in stadium bleachers, subsisting on little more than bread and coffee, and training under official constraints that even prevented him from working with his father.
"You're either with the regime or you leave," he recalled. Today, however, he expresses his gratitude towards Portugal: "I want to show my appreciation by winning trophies."
A living legacy
The podium of Tokyo 2025 confirms that the triple jump remains Cuban territory, albeit represented in different colors.
With Pichardo's gold for Portugal, Martínez's bronze for Cuba, and Leyanis Pérez's gold in the women’s category, the Island reaffirms its tradition in this discipline.
The paradox is evident: Cuba continues to produce champions, yet much of its sports glory is spread under foreign flags.
Frequently Asked Questions about Cuba's Performance at the 2025 World Athletics Championships in Tokyo
How did the Cuban athletes perform at the 2025 World Athletics Championships in Tokyo?
Cuban athletes showcased an outstanding performance at the 2025 World Athletics Championships in Tokyo, with Lázaro Martínez earning bronze in the men's triple jump and Leyanis Pérez Hernández winning gold in the women's triple jump. Additionally, Silinda O. Morales secured a bronze medal in discus throw, reinforcing Cuba's tradition in these disciplines.
Who is Pedro Pablo Pichardo and what was his achievement in Tokyo 2025?
Pedro Pablo Pichardo is a Cuban athlete who became a Portuguese national and won the gold medal in the men's triple jump at the 2025 World Athletics Championships in Tokyo, with a jump of 17.91 meters. His success under the Portuguese flag exemplifies the emigration of Cuban talents in search of better opportunities.
What impact does the emigration of Cuban athletes have on the island's sports?
The emigration of Cuban athletes has had a significant impact on the sports of the island, with many talents now competing under different flags. This is due to the pursuit of better living conditions and professional opportunities, which has led Cuba to lose part of its sporting glory in international events.
What was Leyanis Pérez's achievement at the Tokyo 2025 World Athletics Championships?
Leyanis Pérez Hernández won the gold medal in the women's triple jump at the Tokyo 2025 World Athletics Championships with a leap of 14.94 meters, the best mark worldwide for the season. Her victory was historic as it dethroned the legendary Venezuelan athlete Yulimar Rojas and reaffirmed the emerging talent in Cuban athletics.
How did Jordan Díaz's absence affect the final result of the competition?
The absence of Jordan Díaz, the current Olympic champion with Spain, was notable in the triple jump competition at the 2025 World Championships in Tokyo. A right quadriceps injury during the qualifying round sidelined him from the final, depriving the competition of one of its main contenders.
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