At just 19 years old, Cuban long jumper Jorge Odelin Rodríguez showcased his talent by finishing fourth at the Weltklasse Zürich on Thursday, achieving a leap of 8.32 meters. This competition is one of the most demanding stops in the world’s premier athletics circuit.
According to the Facebook page DeporCuba, the athlete from Espirituano narrowly missed the podium by just one centimeter in this high-caliber event. The victory was claimed by Greek Olympic champion Miltiadis Tentoglou with a jump of 8.45 meters, while Jamaicans Tajay Gayle (8.43) and Wayne Pinnock (8.33) completed the podium. Another Cuban, Lescay, who does not represent the island's federation, also competed and finished in eighth place with a jump of 7.85 meters.
Odelin's performance in Switzerland underscores his exceptional form, as he arrived in Zurich ranked sixth in the World Athletics long jump standings. His consistent performances throughout the season have earned him a spot in the Diamond League final, set to take place in Brussels at the historic Memorial Van Damme stadium on September 4 and 5.
The young athlete, born on May 16, 2007, is experiencing the pinnacle of his career. In June, he set a world under-20 record with a leap of 8.46 meters at the Envol Trophée Auvergne in France. He also secured a podium finish in the Diamond League in Monaco with a jump of 8.38 meters. His fourth-place finish at the Indoor World Championships with 8.26 meters rounds out a season that places him among the top long jumpers globally.
Cuba will have a strong presence at the Brussels final. Athletes affiliated with the Cuban Athletics Federation include Leyanis Pérez and Liadagmis Povea in women’s triple jump, Roxana Gómez in the 400 meters, and Lázaro Martínez in men’s triple jump, in addition to Odelin in the long jump.
Cuban athletes competing independently in Brussels will also include Davisleydi Velazco in triple jump, Reynier Mena in the 200 meters, and Kendry Menéndez in the 110-meter hurdles.
Leyanis Pérez enters the final in an enviable position, tied for the overall lead in the triple jump circuit with 28 points alongside Senegalese athlete Sally Sarr. This makes the Brussels event a highly anticipated and intense showdown for Cuban athletics.
The Diamond League final in 2026 will feature 32 disciplines over two days in Brussels, where Odelin will once again face off against Tentoglou and the world's elite long jumpers.
Key Insights into the Diamond League Final
Who won the long jump at Weltklasse Zürich?
Greek Olympic champion Miltiadis Tentoglou won the long jump event with a leap of 8.45 meters.
What is Jorge Odelin's best jump this season?
Jorge Odelin's best jump this season was 8.46 meters, which set a world under-20 record.
Which Cuban athletes will compete in the Diamond League final?
Cuban athletes competing include Jorge Odelin, Leyanis Pérez, Liadagmis Povea, Roxana Gómez, Lázaro Martínez, Davisleydi Velazco, Reynier Mena, and Kendry Menéndez.