Cuban long jumper Jorge Hodelín achieved a remarkable personal best this past Saturday, leaping 8.46 meters with a tailwind of +1.9 m/s at the Envol Trophée Auvergne held in France. This impressive feat marks the pinnacle of his career thus far.
According to the Facebook page "Cuba camino a Los Angeles 2028," the 19-year-old native from Cabaiguán, Sancti Spíritus, reached this outstanding mark on just his second attempt. After securing his victory, he opted out of his final two jumps.
Hodelín's performance sequence was as follows: he started with 8.06 meters, achieved the 8.46 meters on his second jump, followed by 8.07 meters, had a foul on his fourth attempt, and then abstained from jumping further.
French Competitors Trail Behind
The podium was completed by two French athletes who fell significantly short of Hodelín's performance: Erwan Konate took second with 7.88 meters, while Mathis Vaitulkin claimed third with 7.80 meters.
This stellar performance in France comes at a time when Hodelín is in exceptional form. Just days earlier, he clinched third place at the Diamond League in Rome with a jump of 8.18 meters, which surpassed the minimum requirement for the World Championship by one centimeter.
Recent Triumphs Boost Hodelín's Profile
In Rome, the podium was topped by Bulgarian Bozhidar Sarâboyukov, who jumped 8.26 meters, followed by Greek athlete Miltiadis Tentoglou with 8.24 meters. Before Rome, on June 7, Hodelín had already secured a win at the Papaflessia International Meeting in Kalamata, Greece, with a jump of 8.22 meters.
This string of successes—including his victory in Greece, a bronze in the Diamond League, and now a personal record in France—demonstrates Hodelín's consistent upward trajectory throughout the 2026 outdoor season, establishing him as one of the most promising Cuban long jumpers on the European athletics circuit.
Hodelín's Meteoric Rise
Hodelín's ascent in track and field has been nothing short of meteoric. At just 18, he debuted at the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo 2025 after qualifying with a leap of 8.34 meters. During the indoor season of 2026, he secured a fourth-place finish at the World Indoor Championships in Toruń.
Cuba boasts a rich history in men's long jump, with legends like Olympic champion Iván Pedroso from Sydney 2000. Hodelín is emerging as the new torchbearer of this proud tradition as he eyes the 2026 World Athletics Championships.
Understanding Jorge Hodelín's Recent Achievements
What is Jorge Hodelín's new personal best in long jump?
Jorge Hodelín's new personal best in long jump is 8.46 meters, achieved in France.
Where did Jorge Hodelín achieve his recent personal best?
He achieved his recent personal best at the Envol Trophée Auvergne in France.
How old is Jorge Hodelín?
Jorge Hodelín is 19 years old.
What notable achievement did Hodelín have before his success in France?
Before his success in France, Hodelín finished third at the Diamond League in Rome with a jump of 8.18 meters.