Spain’s Jordan Diaz made history on Friday, securing his country’s first-ever Olympic gold medal in the men’s triple jump. In a thrilling final, Diaz outshined defending champion Pedro Pichardo of Portugal, who settled for silver. The two athletes were neck-and-neck after two attempts, with Diaz leaping 17.86 meters, a mere two centimeters ahead of his rival. Pichardo’s final jump, measuring 17.81 meters, unfortunately fell short of Diaz’s impressive performance, leaving the Portuguese athlete visibly disappointed.
Diaz’s Olympic debut was nothing short of extraordinary. The 23-year-old had already shaken the sport earlier this year with a phenomenal 18.18-meter jump in June, placing him third in the all-time best jumps and just 11 centimeters shy of the world record. His performance in Tokyo further cemented his position as a rising star in the world of athletics.
Italy’s Andy Diaz Hernandez secured bronze with a jump of 17.64 meters, rounding out the podium. Diaz’s victory is a significant achievement for Spanish athletics, marking a new era of success in the discipline. His performance at the Tokyo Olympics will undoubtedly inspire future generations of Spanish athletes and solidify his legacy in the sport.
