Yulimar Rojas Seeks Fifth Triple Jump Title After 17-Month Hiatus

Yulimar Rojas is making her highly anticipated return to competition after a 17-month injury layoff. The Venezuelan athlete aims to secure her fifth world title in the triple jump at the World Championships in Tokyo. Rojas, who holds the world record of 15.74 metres, has been recovering from an achilles tendon injury sustained in April 2024.

“I feel very good,” Rojas stated, expressing her confidence ahead of the championships. The 29-year-old athlete, who clinched Olympic gold at the delayed Tokyo Games in 2021, is eager to compete once again. “I’m physically and mentally ready. I’m eager and motivated to be here in Tokyo, which holds special significance for me.”

Rojas Prepares for Qualification Day

Rojas’s rehabilitation culminates symbolically on Tuesday, the day of the qualification round, with the final scheduled for two days later. Reflecting on her recovery journey, she acknowledged the challenges she faced. “It’s true that this time is a little different for me. I’ve had a year filled with ups and downs,” she admitted.

Despite the hurdles, Rojas feels she is at a pivotal point in her career. “I feel more mature and driven, with an extra push to retain my title. I have the necessary experience to make it happen,” she noted. Her determination shines through as she emphasizes her unchanged passion for the sport. “I came here to give it my all.”

Facing Strong Rivals

While Rojas remains a dominant force in her event, her time away from competition has allowed other athletes to rise. She acknowledged the strength of her rivals, including Cuba’s Leyanis Perez, Liadagmis Povea, and the reigning Olympic champion from Dominica, Thea LaFond. “The triple jump has remained at its best,” Rojas stated, appreciating the competitive landscape.

“Above all, my biggest rival is myself,” she added, highlighting the importance of mental strength in her approach. Rojas understands the need to respect her competitors while maintaining confidence in her abilities. “If Yulimar is there, it’s sure to be a great competition,” she remarked.

Tokyo, a city filled with memories of her Olympic success, has a special place in Rojas’s heart. “It’s a magical place which is very important to me because of everything I achieved at the Olympic Games four years ago,” she reflected. Her focus is razor-sharp as she prepares for the upcoming events, stating, “I’m very concentrated and calm because I know that when the day comes, I will perform well.”

Rojas’s aspirations are not just for personal glory; they also extend to her coach, Ivan Pedroso, a former Olympic long jump gold medalist. “A fifth triple jump title is definitely one of my biggest challenges,” she said. Despite her injury hiatus, her desire to achieve this goal remains undiminished. “He knows I’m very close, and he’s also very excited about it. Tokyo is a great place to continue winning titles and try to surpass him.”

With the world watching, Rojas is poised to make her comeback a memorable one. “It’ll be tough, but I’m on my way, and I can achieve it,” she concluded, ready to take on the challenge ahead.