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The Venezuelan Yulimar Rojas, with a world-record triple jump and a gold medal, confirms her elite athlete status and she is one of the track and field superstars. It was one of the most iconic moments of Tokio 2020. The 25-year-old athlete set a world record that was untouchable since 1995.
“It‘s a dream come true... an incredible night that people will carry in their minds, in their hearts, and many people will identify with, because it isn’t just me, it‘s the 40 million Venezuelans who lived it with me.” [Rojas]
© GettyImagesRojas is from Puerto de la Cruz, Venezuela, but she currently leaves in Spain. “The sky is the limit,” said the triple jump champ. In 2016, she signed signed with FC Barcelona’s athletics team. It has been a long journey for the Venezuelan, who is not only an Olympic champion, she is also a two-time World Champion (2017 London and 2019 Doha), and two-time World Indoor Champion (2016 Portland and 2018 Birmingham).
© GettyImagesRojas comes from humble beginnings. She was raised in a deprived area of Venezuela. Since childhood, the Venezuelan was successful in other sports as a teenager but could not continue to practice due to lack of resources. It wasn’t until she decided to move to Guadalajara, Spain where she was able to start developing her talents.
The world champions younger’s sisters are also athletes: Yerilda is a discus throwing specialist and Yorgelys, a shot putter. The future is bright for the Venezuelan trailblazer. She’ is eyeing the 16m mark and a new discipline.
Recently, the crowned triple jump Olympic champion was invited to Barcelona FC‘s Camp Nou to show off her brand new bling and do the honorary ’Saque de Honor,‘ or kick-off before the game against Getafe.
