Cuban triple jumper Jordan Díaz among nominees for 'European Athlete of the Year'

September 23, 2024

Cuban triple jumper naturalized Spanish citizen Jordan Díaz was nominated for the 'European Athlete of the Year' award, according to an announcement by the European Athletics Federation (European Athletics).

The athlete, who is now among ten candidates, has achieved an impressive first season under the Spanish flag, becoming Olympic and continental champion.

As if that were not enough, his impressive jump of 18.18 meters in Rome placed him in third place in the history of triple jump at world level.

It was precisely in the final of the European Athletics Championship in Rome where Díaz achieved the third best mark of all time, surpassed only by the legendary Jonathan Edwards (18.29m) and Christian Taylor (18.21m).

Furthermore, at the sporting event he starred in a historic duel with Cuban-Portuguese Pedro Pablo Pichardo, in which both surpassed 18 meters.

Thanks to these achievements, Díaz now holds a place among the contenders for the prestigious award, which has been honoring the best European athlete since 1993.

Through his X account, the Cuban athlete expressed his emotion upon learning of his nomination:

"It's impossible to win, but just being nominated for best athlete in Europe is a great step in my career. Thank you very much to everyone for the great support you have given me in such an incredible year," Díaz acknowledged.

The winners of the 'European Athlete of the Year' award will be announced on October 26 during a gala to be held in Skopje, Macedonia.

Along with Díaz, other athletes of the caliber of Lithuanian Mykolas Alekna, Olympic champion in discus throw, and Swedish Armand Duplantis, who holds three world records in pole vault in 2024, are also nominated.

For the women's category, among others, are Dutch Sifan Hassan and Femke Bol, Italian Nadia Battocletti, and Belgian Nafissatou Thiam.