Yulimar Rojas wasted no time booking her place in the women’s triple jump final with a first attempt of 14.49 at the World Athletics Championships Tokyo 2025 on Tuesday (16 September).
Venezuela’s four-time world champion and Tokyo 2020 Olympic gold medallist easily cleared the qualifying mark of 14.35 to go through – on her first jump of the season, and also her first in two years.
The 29-year-old world record-holder was more than pleased in her return to the National Stadium where she struck gold four years ago.
“I’m very happy, very proud to have competed today,” Rojas told Olympics.com. “I’ve waited for this moment for a long time, and I’m so honoured and proud to be here. So happy to jump in a wonderful place like this which has so many memories for me, and to fight for another final**.**
“I have been waiting for this moment for some years. It’s wonderful to be back at this stadium. To be back doing what I love, what makes me happy – it’s even better.”
Rojas was equally happy to be competing again, after being forced to skip Paris 2024 with an injury. And if Tuesday is any indication, she hasn’t missed a beat.
“I missed the adrenaline of competition, seeing people gathering to see and enjoy athletics,” Rojas said, looking ahead to Thursday’s final.
“I love making the crowd vibrate with every jump. I love to compete and be filled with joy in doing so. I am happy to get back to my level and represent my country.”