Jaxier Sotomayor breaks his record and moves Spain

August 15, 2025

A few hours ago, this Thursday, August 14, will be recorded as a special date for young Cuban Jaxier Sotomayor, son of legendary world record holder Javier Sotomayor.

At 17 years old, this promising high jumper demonstrated that he is carving his own path in sports, without living in the shadow of his extraordinary family legacy. At the Meeting CD Meliz Sport, held at the Fuente De la Niña track in Guadalajara, Spain, the athlete reached 2.08 meters, far surpassing his previous personal record of 2.03 meters.

The event brought together five high-level international competitors. The podium was led by Norwegian Erlend Bolstad (2.20 m) followed by Italian Christian Falocci (2.16 m) and Spanish David González (2.12 m). Although Jaxier did not make the podium, his performance captured the attention and applause of the audience, as he managed to improve his personal best twice in a single day, something uncommon in elite athletics.

Jaxier started with authority at 1.90 m, clearing the height on his first attempt. A miss at 1.95 m seemed like an unexpected stumble, but after a quick technical adjustment, he jumped again successfully. Then he reached 2.00 m and cleared the bar without hesitation, raising expectations of a historic jump.

His next challenge was 2.04 m, a height he conquered flawlessly, already breaking his personal record. However, he did not stop there. Determined to make the most of his great moment, he asked to raise the bar to 2.08 m. The first two attempts were unsuccessful and it seemed the dream was slipping away.

But on his third and final jump, with all his concentration focused on the moment, he managed to lift off and clear the mark, drawing a roaring ovation from those present.

On social media, the image of the young man posing next to the board that certified his achievement was shared by user Milan Ruzic, generating messages of encouragement and pride. Although comparisons with his father are inevitable, specialists recall that at that age Javier was already jumping over 2.30 m. Nevertheless, each athlete has their own development process and many see in Jaxier a future great reference in high jumping.

With discipline, refined technique, and a supportive environment, this result could mark the beginning of a stage of accelerated growth for the young Cuban, who has already made clear that his story in athletics is just beginning.

Furthermore, it should be noted that geniuses like the Prince of the Heights are just that... geniuses! but not all champions are.