From Cuba to the world gold with Italy: Andy Díaz shines in the triple jump

The Cuban Andy Díaz shone again on the world stage, once more under the flag of Italy, by becoming the world indoor champion in the triple jump in Torun, Poland, a result that highlights the continuing exodus of sporting talent from the island.

Díaz, Olympic bronze medalist in Paris 2024, secured the title from his first attempt with the best mark of the year (17.47 meters), thereby defending his crown and becoming the second athlete in history to achieve two consecutive titles in this event at indoor world championships, a milestone previously reached only by Christian Olsson.

The athlete's triumph adds to a growing list of Cuban athletes who have found the conditions to develop their careers outside of the country, in contrast to the structural limitations of sports on the Island.

While Díaz dominated the event, Cuba fell short of the podium. Triple jumper Lázaro Martínez, indoor world champion in 2022, finished in fourth place with a best mark of 17.14 meters, according to the official site Jit.

Although he achieved competitive records and surpassed 17 meters on several occasions, he was unable to secure a medal in a high-level final, which was completed by Jamaican Jordan Scott (17.33) and Algerian Yasser Mohamed Triki (17.30).

Andy Hechavarría had a worse fate, arriving with the second best record of the year, but finished in 12th place with a modest jump of 16.42 meters, hindered by a lack of experience in this type of competition.

Díaz's gold reinforces the contrast between the performance of Cuban athletes competing under other flags and the results of those who remain in the state sports system.

In recent years, numerous athletes have left official delegations or emigrated in search of better training conditions, economic stability, and international opportunities, a phenomenon that has directly affected Cuba's results in global events.

However, in the women's category, there was notable presence from the Island. Leyanis Pérez became the indoor world champion in the triple jump, surpassing the Venezuelan Yulimar Rojas, while fellow Cuban Liadagmis Povea finished in fourth place.