Spain’s Jordan Diaz achieved a stunning victory at the European Championships in Rome, leaping 18.18 meters in the triple jump. Not only did he win the gold medal, but his incredible leap also broke a championship record that had stood for 26 years, making it the third-best jump of all time.
Before Pedro Pichardo of Portugal jumped 18.04 metres, breaking Jonathan Edwards’ 1998 record of 17.99 metres. Diaz jumped a personal best of 17.96 metres on his fourth try, putting him in second place. Diaz’s outstanding performance ousted Pichardo, the current Olympic and European champion, whose most notable jump was 18.08 metres. Having no choice but to reply, Pichardo cleared 17.92 metres on his last try to win silver. Thomas Gogois of France was awarded bronze with a leap of 17.38 metres.
The 2015 Doha duel between Pichardo and Christian Taylor, in which both competitors cleared 18 metres, brought back fond memories of this event. However, Diaz stole the show in Rome this time, leaving Pichardo in the shadows.
Diaz moved up to third place all-time, surpassing American Will Claye. The 23-year-old, who was the European champion, will now compete in the Paris Olympics after missing the Tokyo Games due to his Cuban defect.
