Cuban jumper sets new year's record in France

February 11, 2021

The Cuban long jumper Juan Miguel Echevarría established the best world mark of the year in the long jump with 8.25 meters, this February 9th during the athletics meet in Liévin, France, valid for the indoor world circuit.

The 2018 world champion, 22 years old, snatched the best annual mark from American Marquis Dendy, who had jumped 8.21 meters last Sunday in Fayetteville (United States). Greek Miltiadis Tentoglou finished second in Liévin with a best jump of 8.21 meters, tying Dendy's attempt.

The Cuban was able to bring out the champion's edge in the last attempt of the night to defeat Greek Militiadis Tentoglou, who was dominating the competition with an excellent performance of 8.21 m. This was an irregular performance by the disciple of fellow Camagüeyano Daniel Osorio, as two fouls put him against the wall.

Despite not reaching eight meters in his valid attempts, the young man from Camagüey knew how to coordinate his movements to establish the new mark for the young athlete in the indoor circuit.

"I had synchronization problems and lost my concentration. In general it was not a good performance," said the Pan American champion to the weekly Adelante via Facebook at the end of the event.

"We are beginning the season and I still have to make technical adjustments to achieve my objectives. Although I always compete to win, now the results are secondary, the important thing is to improve," he added. Cuba was also represented by Lester Lescano, with a modest record of 7.30 m. that earned him seventh place.

Echevarría, current indoor world champion, will continue competing in the remaining stops of the World Athletics tour in search of arriving in good sporting form at the Tokyo Olympic Games.