Triple Jumper Davisleidys Velazco: "Leaving Cuba Was About Seeking a New Future; My Limits Are Yet to Be Defined"

Davisleidys Velazco is a young talent from the Cuban school of triple jump. Born in 1999, she decided to emigrate to the United States in October 2023 after reaching the finals in her specialty at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics with a jump of 14.14 meters. She also won the Copa Cuba 2022 with a 14.22-meter jump, the NACAC U23 tournament, the Pan American U20 event, and secured a bronze medal at the World U20 Championships. Her personal best is 14.34 meters.

At 24 years old, the Cuban athlete now resides in San Juan, Puerto Rico, where she is coached by the talented and successful Cuban trainer Raúl Duany.

Journey to the United States

"It’s a pleasure to speak with you. Indeed, I was part of the national team; I left, simply, I left. I didn’t request a discharge, didn’t say anything. I took a journey and spent two months in Mexico waiting for an appointment before entering the United States through the CBP ONE app," Velazco said.

Current Training and Future Plans

When asked about her current activities and future plans, she responded, "I work and train; my goal is to compete within the country this year because, due to my legal status, I cannot travel abroad until I get my residency."

Strengths and Aspirations

Regarding her strengths as a triple jumper, Velazco noted, "I believe I am quite powerful and somewhat fast. I feel I have many things to improve on, which is where my greatest aspiration lies—knowing that I have many goals to achieve. It’s all about growth!"

Reasons for Leaving Cuba

Velazco explained her decision to leave Cuba, saying, "One of the reasons I decided to leave was that I felt I needed to step out of my comfort zone. I felt I wasn’t progressing and had lost confidence in myself. Looking ahead, I realized I needed to seek new opportunities and horizons."

First Encounter with Triple Jump

"My first medal came at 15 during a National event that was supposed to be my last because I hadn’t achieved results to move up in high-level competition. I had tried various athletic disciplines until my coach, Iván Izaguirre (jumps coach of the national team), introduced me to triple jump.

That was in 2015. We trained for triple jump that year and I went to the Nationals in Las Tunas and, who would have thought, I won! I beat three national team athletes while still in EIDE. That’s how I transitioned from a potential farewell to being scouted for the national team.

That’s why I believe there’s a world for me to learn in triple jump, and training with such an experienced and successful coach like Duany makes me dream big.

If I could achieve so much with little time in the specialty—bronze at a World Junior Championship, medals at Pan American events, and experiencing the Olympics—the future lies in my legs, my mind, and my heart.

Olympic Prospects for Cuba

Currently, Cuba’s best Olympic prospects are in triple jump, both for men and women. When asked for her opinion, Velazco said, "Yes, and it makes me very happy; I am sure there will be a medal among the women. For the men, it seems a bit more challenging, but anything can happen in competitions. There are always athletes who break predictions, so we just have to wait and see."

Wishes for Fellow Triple Jumpers

Regarding other Cuban triple jumpers representing different countries (Portugal, Spain, and Italy), Velazco expressed her sentiments, "Emotionally, my friend and brother is Andy Díaz, and I always root for him. I am certain he will win a medal. To everyone, my best wishes."

Training with Ubaldo Duany

Training with Duany, the mastermind behind the triumphs of Colombian athlete Caterine Ibargüen, is a clear sign of Velazco’s potential. "For me, training with Duany is something I never imagined. It keeps me super motivated and eager to face new challenges.

He is an excellent coach and human being, and yes, I have improved. For instance, I jumped 14.09 meters with just nine steps, something I barely achieved with a full run before. It's a good sign; I am improving technically each day. Duany learned about me, contacted me, and asked if I wanted to train with him. I didn’t think twice.

Duany coached Ibargüen to gold at the Rio 2016 Olympics and silver at the London 2012 Olympics, along with two World Championship titles and six Diamond League Trophies.

Current Performance

According to the internet, Velazco’s best mark is 14.34 meters. When asked about her current performance, she said, "I haven’t jumped officially in any competition yet; only trials like the 14.09 meters with nine steps. I am not in the competitive phase; I am just starting. Imagine the time spent on the journey, the arrival, settling in—all that is time without training, four and a half months without jumping. It’s not easy to break the preparation time in high performance. It’s about leaving one phase behind and starting another."

Future Olympic Aspirations

Having already experienced the Tokyo Olympics, Velazco has to miss Paris but looks forward to Los Angeles 2028. "Yes, and today I train and dream of that. I know I will be in my best form, both athletically and professionally. That’s why I am working seriously, listening to my coach, taking care of myself, and allowing myself to grow in every way."

Missing Family

When asked if she misses her family, Velazco said, "My family is large, but my mom, Águeda Bárbara, means everything to me, and my dad, David, too. He always supported my sports career and is still present in my athletic journey; I love them both. They are my reason for being; for them, I will reach great heights in the world of triple jump because I know my limits are yet to be defined."