This past Friday, Davisleidy Velazco made history at the Diamond League meeting in Doha by achieving a remarkable distance of 15.13 meters on her fifth attempt. This leap not only marked the best global performance of the 2026 season in women's triple jump but also set a new personal best for Velazco, surpassing her previous record of 14.34 meters.
The event turned into an intense competition between Cuban athletes. Leyanis Pérez Hernández, the reigning outdoor world champion, briefly led with a jump of 14.97 meters. However, Velazco answered back in the fifth round with an outstanding performance, leaving her competitors without a response.
Velazco initiated her series with a leap of 14.69 meters, progressed to 14.97 in her fourth jump, and ultimately secured victory with the impressive 15.13 meters. Pérez finished in second place with her 14.97-meter jump, while Senegalese athlete Saly Sarr took third with a distance of 14.86 meters.
A Historic Feat for Cuban Athletics
Another Cuban, Liadagmis Povea, claimed fourth place with 14.58 meters, and Thea Lafond from Dominica, an Olympic champion, ended in fifth with 14.52 meters.
Velazco's achievement holds significant importance for Cuban athletics. She joins the elite company of only four Cuban-born women to surpass the 15-meter mark in triple jump, alongside Yamilé Aldama (15.29 m in 2003), Yargelis Savigne (15.28 m in 2007), and Magdelín Martínez.
Velazco's Journey and Future Prospects
This outstanding performance elevates Velazco to third place in Cuba's historical ranking for triple jump and positions her 17th on the global all-time list.
Born in 1999, Velazco left Cuba in October 2023 and settled in San Juan, Puerto Rico. There, she began training with renowned Cuban coach Ubaldo Duany, known for his role in the Olympic success of Colombian athlete Caterine Ibargüen.
Interestingly, despite residing outside Cuba, Velazco still competes under the Cuban flag, as her results continue to be listed internationally as representing Cuba (CUB), including her performance in Doha.
Her rival, Pérez, arrived in Doha with an impressive track record, having won gold at the 2025 World Championships in Tokyo with a jump of 14.94 meters and successfully defended her world indoor title in 2026, establishing herself as a dominant force in recent years.
Velazco's victory over Pérez, coupled with Povea's fourth-place finish, highlights the exceptional depth of Cuban women's triple jump in the 2026 season and positions Velazco as a leading contender for upcoming international competitions.
"Fourth Cuban woman to surpass 15 meters, following in the footsteps of Yamilé Aldama, Yargelis Savigne, and Magdelín Martínez. Ranked third in Cuba's historical list and climbs to 17th place of all time," summarized sports journalist Raúl Rodríguez while celebrating Velazco's achievement in Doha.
FAQs on Cuban Triple Jump Achievements
Who is Davisleidy Velazco?
Davisleidy Velazco is a Cuban athlete who specializes in the triple jump. She recently set a personal and season-best of 15.13 meters in the Diamond League meeting in Doha, marking her as one of the top performers in the event.
What was significant about Velazco's performance in Doha?
Velazco's 15.13-meter jump is the best performance in the women's triple jump for the 2026 season and her personal best, making her the fourth Cuban-born woman to surpass 15 meters.
How did Leyanis Pérez perform in the same competition?
Leyanis Pérez, the current outdoor world champion, finished second in Doha with a jump of 14.97 meters, which initially led the competition until Velazco's fifth-round leap.