Cuban Jumpers Velazco and Pérez Take Silver and Bronze in Budapest Triple Jump Final

September 14, 2026

Cuban triple jumpers Davisleydi Velazco and Leyanis Pérez claimed silver and bronze in the women's triple jump final at the World Athletics Ultimate Championship, held September 13, 2026, in Budapest. Velazco leaped 15.04 meters and Pérez 14.90, with the title going to Senegal's Saly Sarr at 15.06 meters.

The result marked Velazco's first competition back in Cuban colors after nearly three years representing herself independently out of Puerto Rico. "This was a very important competition, an event where the conditions were set for producing results like this one," the Camagüey native said afterward, according to World Athletics, after posting the second-best jump of her career.

For Pérez, the reigning Olympic and world outdoor and indoor champion, the bronze comes just over a week after she lost her two-year hold on the Diamond League triple jump title at the Brussels final, also finishing behind Sarr. Her 14.90-meter effort in Budapest gave Cuba two medalists in the event at the inaugural edition of the championship.

A third Cuban, Liadagmis Povea, competed in the final but recorded no valid mark. Organizers billed the meet as one of the richest in track and field history: Velazco earned $75,000 for second place, while Pérez collected $40,000 for third.