Born in Havana and representing Italy, triple jumper Andy Díaz Hernández is among the ten nominees for the 2026 World Athletics Male Athlete of the Year. The Cuban athlete is vying for the top accolade in track and field after a remarkable season in which he secured three major titles and achieved an 18.15-meter leap, marking the fourth-best record in triple jump history.
World Athletics announced his nomination on October 6. Fans can vote through an official poll that remains open until October 17. Díaz is competing for an award that features athletes from various disciplines, not just jumpers.
Record-Breaking Performances in 2026
At 30, Díaz kicked off his award campaign in March during the World Indoor Championships in Toruń, Poland. There, he defended his world indoor triple jump title with a 17.47-meter leap on his first attempt. This victory added to his previous win in Nanjing 2025, where he jumped 17.80 meters.
His most significant performance of the year came on August 15 at the European Championships in Birmingham. He nailed an 18.15-meter jump with a legal wind of +1.7 meters per second on his second attempt. This jump earned him the gold medal, set a new Italian record, and placed him as the fourth furthest jumper in the event's history, just 14 centimeters shy of Jonathan Edwards' world record of 18.29 meters from 1995.
The European final had a strong Cuban presence: Pedro Pablo Pichardo, also born on the island and representing Portugal, finished second with 17.76 meters, while Italy's Andrea Dallavalle took bronze with 17.37 meters. CiberCuba reported on Díaz's historic triumph in Birmingham, marking his first major international outdoor title.
How to Support Andy Díaz in the Voting Process
Fans worldwide can take part in the official World Athletics poll to choose the 2026 athletes of the year. Andy Díaz Hernández (ITA) is listed under the male category, identified by his achievements this season and his 18.15-meter mark.
The voting form requires selecting three male and three female candidates, along with providing a name, email address, and country before submission. It is crucial to complete both categories and follow the poll instructions to register your vote.
According to World Athletics, voting concludes on Saturday, October 17 at midnight Central European Summer Time (CEST). Fan votes account for 25% of the final outcome, with the remaining 75% equally divided among participating athletes from the 2026 World Athletics Series, accredited media professionals, and World Athletics structure members.
From the ten male contenders, three finalists will be announced alongside the three female finalists on November 10 and 11. The winners will be revealed on November 29 during the World Athletics Awards ceremony in Monaco. It's important to note that being nominated does not guarantee Díaz the award.
Facing Off Against the World's Best
Competing with Díaz are some of the most prominent figures in global athletics. The male list features Sweden's Mondo Duplantis, who set a new pole vault world record at 6.31 meters; Brazil's Alison dos Santos, known for his prowess in the 400 meters hurdles; and Britain's Josh Kerr, a middle-distance specialist.
Also in the running are American Kenneth Bednarek, Slovenian Kristjan Čeh, Botswana's Collen Kebinatshipi, Sri Lanka's Rumesh Tharanga Pathirage, Kenyan Sabastian Sawe, and American Ja’Kobe Tharp. All are vying for a single male award, without distinction among races, throws, or jumps, under the revamped system for 2026.
From Havana to the Olympic Podium and Global Elite
Andy Díaz was born in Havana on December 25, 1995. He left the Cuban athletics federation in 2021 and continued his career in Italy, obtaining citizenship in February 2023. Since August 2024, he has been eligible to represent Italy in international competitions, as noted in his World Athletics profile. His coach is former Italian triple jumper and Olympic medalist Fabrizio Donato.
His first major Olympic medal came in Paris 2024, where he claimed bronze for Italy with a 17.64-meter jump. That final was a unique moment for Cuban sports: all three medalists were born on the island but represented different countries. Jordan Díaz won gold for Spain; Pedro Pablo Pichardo secured silver for Portugal; and Andy Díaz took bronze for Italy, as reported by CiberCuba.
The road to the podium was challenging. In 2024, Díaz recounted sleeping on the streets in Rome during his immigration process. Two years after his Olympic medal, he is now among the contenders for one of track and field's highest honors.
For followers of Cuban sports both on and off the island, his nomination highlights the international impact of a generation of jumpers trained in Cuba, now competing under various flags. The decision for the 2026 award will be made in November, but the window for public support closes on October 17.
Frequently Asked Questions About Andy Díaz's Nomination
How can I vote for Andy Díaz for World Athlete of the Year 2026?
You can participate in the official World Athletics poll, selecting three male and three female candidates. Be sure to provide your name, email, and country, and follow the instructions to submit your vote.
When does voting close for the World Athlete of the Year 2026?
Voting closes on Saturday, October 17 at midnight Central European Summer Time (CEST).