On her path to the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, Cuban triple jumper Leyanis Pérez made a significant statement by dominating without any issues during the seventh stop of the Diamond League athletics event in Stockholm, Sweden this past Sunday. At just 22 years old, the indoor world silver medalist recorded the best attempt of the day with a leap of 14.67 meters, surpassing her two major rivals for the upcoming multi-sport event in France: Shanieka Ricketts (14.40, Jamaica), who took silver, and Thea Lafond (14.26, Dominica), who claimed bronze.
With the notable absence of the stellar Venezuelan athlete Yulimar Rojas, the world record holder (15.74 meters), the aforementioned trio are the leading contenders for the Olympic podium, with Cuban Liadagmis Povea also posing a significant threat. During the event, Pérez also achieved a jump of 14.57 meters, which would have been sufficient to repeat her victory from the fifth stop in Eugene, USA. It is worth mentioning that on May 25, she reached a distance of 14.73 meters, maintaining her unbeaten record in the Diamond League tour.
Ranked third in the world outdoors in Budapest, Hungary, and gold medalist at the Pan American Games in Santiago, Chile, both in 2023, the tall athlete appears to be on the right track towards competing at the Olympics. Many experts and followers of the so-called "king of sports" consider her a sure medalist and hope she will update her personal best of 14.98 meters in the best possible scenario.
Road to Paris 2024
According to World Athletics statistics, the representative of Cuba's largest island boasts her main result in 2024 from the ecumenical meeting in Glasgow, Scotland in March, with a leap of 14.90 meters. Outdoors, her best performance stands out with the figure achieved on American soil.
The Paris 2024 Games will take place from July 26 to August 11, and Cuba aims to celebrate at least five titles to rank among the top 25 nations on the final medal table, as stated by the National Institute of Sports, Physical Education, and Recreation (INDER). Three years ago, at the Tokyo 2020 Games, Cuba finished in the 14th position on the medal list with a tally of seven gold medals, three silver medals, and five bronze medals.
Key Highlights of Leyanis Pérez's Performance
Here are some frequently asked questions about Leyanis Pérez's recent achievements and future prospects:
What was Leyanis Pérez's best jump at the Diamond League in Stockholm?
Leyanis Pérez's best jump at the Diamond League in Stockholm was 14.67 meters.
Who were Leyanis Pérez's main competitors in the event?
Her main competitors were Shanieka Ricketts from Jamaica, who took silver with 14.40 meters, and Thea Lafond from Dominica, who claimed bronze with 14.26 meters.
What are Leyanis Pérez's notable achievements in 2023?
In 2023, Leyanis Pérez ranked third in the world outdoors in Budapest, Hungary, and won the gold medal at the Pan American Games in Santiago, Chile.
What are Cuba's goals for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games?
Cuba aims to secure at least five titles and rank among the top 25 nations on the final medal table at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.