Italy's Andy Diaz Hernandez claimed victory in the men's triple jump at the World Indoor Athletics Championships held in Nanjing, China, on March 21, 2025, marking a significant milestone in his athletic career. With a remarkable jump of 17.80 meters in his first attempt, he set a new Italian record and positioned himself firmly on the world indoor all-time list.
This win is not just another accolade for the Cuban-born athlete, who previously secured a bronze medal at the Olympic Games in Paris in 2024, but it also serves as his first global title. The 17.80-meter leap is not merely impressive; it is the third-farthest jump in the history of the World Indoor Championships since the previous record was set by Teddy Tamgho in 2010.
Starting the competition as a favorite, Diaz Hernandez showcased his prowess from the onset, immediately establishing a commanding lead that his rivals could not contest. Despite a foul on his second jump, he confidently decided to forgo additional attempts, satisfied with his winning performance. This decision highlights both his strategic approach to the competition and confidence in his exceptional ability.
"I like to keep my word, I said I would win and I did," said Diaz Hernandez after the event, expressing his elation and commitment to excellence. The emotional weight of his victory was palpable, as he punctuated his achievement with a dance, staying true to his vibrant personality.
In this thrilling competition, China's Zhu Yaming took silver with a notable jump of 17.33 meters, all while basking in the supportive cheers of the home crowd. Brazil's Almir dos Santos secured the bronze with a leap of 17.22 meters. Defending champion Hugues Fabrice Zango of Burkina Faso, who was also competing, faced a disappointing fourth-place finish with a jump of 17.15 meters, unable to reclaim his title.
The significance of Diaz Hernandez's jump, a new Italian record, transcends immediate accolades. His record-breaking jump surpasses the previous national indoor record held by his coach, Fabrizio Donato, who achieved a height of 17.73 meters in 2011. This realization adds another layer of triumph to Diaz's performance, embodying a passing of the torch within Italian athletics.
Earlier this month, Diaz had already demonstrated his capabilities by clinching the European indoor gold in Apeldoorn with a jump of 17.71 meters. This recent accomplishment provided him with a confidence boost as he entered the world stage, contextualizing his ambitious aspirations well ahead of the championship in Nanjing.
The men's 400m event showcased remarkable talent, with Christopher Bailey leading the qualifiers with a time of 45.70 seconds. Among the competitors were Americans Jacory Patterson and Brian Faust, both advancing confidently into the semi-finals set for later in the evening. Additionally, American Josh Hoey, the second-fastest runner ever over the indoor 800m, successfully progressed to the semi-finals, having previously set a world-leading time of 1:43.24 last month.
On the day of the finals, anticipation was palpable not only for the outcomes of the triple jump but also for the men’s high jump and the women’s shot put. As each event unfolded, fans cheered on their national athletes, embodying the spirit of international competition.
Reflecting on his victory, Diaz Hernandez expressed gratitude for those who have supported him throughout his journey. He attributed his success not only to his hard work but also to the guidance from his trainer and mentor Fabrizio Donato, with whom he shares a deep bond. The impact of their collaboration is evident not only in their training but also in the emotional background that showcases a true story of resilience and achievement.
As the celebrations began, the emotional landscape of Diaz's journey from his humble beginnings in Cuba, through a challenging immigration story, to become a champion for Italy was brought front and center. He noted how important his heritage and homeland are to him. Diaz is poised to focus on future competitions, including upcoming championships where he aims to push his performance even further, eyeing an ambitious goal of reaching an unprecedented 18 meters in the triple jump.
Undoubtedly, this latest achievement is a significant chapter in Diaz Hernandez's life and career. His endeavors, characterized by determination and passion, evoke a sense of pride and inspiration among athletes and fans alike, fostering an environment of hope and ambition at the World Indoor Championships.
