Cuban triple jumper Leyanis Pérez Hernández emerged victorious on Thursday at the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo 2025, securing the gold medal with an impressive leap of 14.94 meters, setting the season's World Lead. This remarkable achievement not only marks her second global title of the year, following her indoor gold, but also dethrones the Venezuelan legend Yulimar Rojas, who is an Olympic champion from Rio 2016 and Tokyo 2020, and holds world records in both indoor (15.74 m) and outdoor (15.67 m) triple jump.
The podium in the Japanese capital featured athletes from the Americas: Thea LaFond from Dominica claimed the silver with a jump of 14.89 meters, while Rojas had to settle for bronze with a distance of 14.76 meters. The competition was fierce up to the last attempt, but Pérez remained composed and secured her triumph with a powerful fifth jump that placed her at the top. Her performance reinforces her position among the global elite of athletics and marks a new era for women's triple jump.
"That winning feeling," celebrated the official @worldathletics account, as the International Olympic Committee highlighted Pérez's victory over the last two Olympic champions, marking a historic night for Cuba. This achievement adds another gold medal to Cuba's tally at world athletics events, reaffirming the country's strong tradition in jump events, with past icons like Pedro Pablo Pichardo, Yargelis Savigne, and Yoelbi Quesada having made significant impacts.
On social media, Pérez's triumph has been widely hailed as a resurgence for Cuban sports amidst a period challenging with talent emigration and economic crisis in the nation.
Frequently Asked Questions about Leyanis Pérez's Victory
Who is Leyanis Pérez Hernández?
Leyanis Pérez Hernández is a Cuban triple jumper who recently won the gold medal at the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo 2025.
What was Leyanis Pérez’s winning jump distance?
Leyanis Pérez won the gold medal with a jump of 14.94 meters, which is the best mark of the season.
Which athlete did Leyanis Pérez surpass in the competition?
Leyanis Pérez surpassed Venezuelan legend Yulimar Rojas, who is a multiple-time Olympic champion and world record holder.