After a three-year period competing independently on the international circuit, Cuban triple jumper Davisleydi Velazco is set to return to national representation at the World Athletics Ultimate Championship in Budapest, scheduled from September 11 to 13. Velazco left Cuba in October 2023 and has since been absent from the national team.
The state-run outlet, Cubadebate, reported that Rolando Charró, the national athletics commissioner, confirmed Velazco's reinstatement to the Cuban Athletics Federation. This will officially take place during the inaugural event of this new biennial championship organized by World Athletics.
Her return was facilitated through a formal request by Velazco and discussions with her coach, Cuban Ubaldo Duany, following the necessary procedures set by the federation.
Born 27 years ago in Camagüey, Velazco relocated to San Juan, Puerto Rico, where she continued her training with Duany. Despite competing without the backing of any national federation, World Athletics retained her profile under Cuba during this time.
Historic Performance Marks Velazco's Return
Velazco's comeback aligns with the pinnacle of her career so far. On June 19, at the Doha Diamond League, she achieved a remarkable 15.13 meters on her fifth attempt, surpassing the 15-meter mark for the first time and setting the season's best world record at that point.
Earlier on June 10, she had already secured victory in the triple jump at the Oslo Diamond League with a leap of 14.85 meters, propelling her among the world's leading figures in the discipline during a standout season.
In 2025, while competing independently, she also claimed podium finishes in the Diamond League: second place in Brussels with 14.72 meters and third in the Zurich Final with 14.65 meters.
Cuba's Elite Trio in Budapest
With Velazco’s rejoining, Cuba will field an elite trio in the women's triple jump in Budapest: world champion Leyanis Pérez —gold medalist at the Tokyo 2025 Outdoor World Championships and the Toruń 2026 Indoor World Championships—, Liadagmis Povea —silver medalist at the Nanjing 2025 Indoor World Championships—, and Velazco herself.
Her case mirrors a recent precedent: long jumper Juan Miguel Echevarría, an Olympic silver medalist, returned to the Cuban team in April 2024 under the federation's reintegration policy, which allows emigrated athletes to rejoin upon their request.
Velazco has expressed her commitment to continue representing Cuba in key international competitions in the coming years, including those slated for 2027 and the next World Athletics Championships. The women’s triple jump event in Budapest is set for Sunday, September 13.
Frequently Asked Questions About Davisleydi Velazco's Return
What led Davisleydi Velazco to return to the Cuban national team?
Velazco's return was the result of her own request to rejoin the Cuban Athletics Federation, facilitated by discussions with her coach Ubaldo Duany and completion of necessary procedures.
How did Davisleydi Velazco perform during her independent competitions?
While competing independently, Velazco achieved significant success, including breaking the 15-meter mark and securing podium finishes in the Diamond League.
Who are the other Cuban athletes competing in the women's triple jump in Budapest?
In addition to Velazco, Cuba will be represented by world champion Leyanis Pérez and silver medalist Liadagmis Povea in the women's triple jump at the Budapest championships.