Havana, February 15 (RHC) – Cuban Liadagmis Povea finished second in the triple jump at the Spanish National Short Track Championships, also known as the Iberdrola Cup, which garnered headlines due to the success of Venezuelan Yulimar Rojas.
Returning to indoor competition, the best triple jumper of all time needed just one attempt to reach 14.95 meters and secure the title – setting a new record in the process – as well as qualifying her for the World Indoor Championships in Poland this coming March.
At the Palau Velódrom Luis Puig in Valencia, the athlete, coached by Cuban Iván Pedroso and competing for FC Barcelona, also reached 14.43 meters but committed two fouls, as she only completed four of her six possible jumps.
Povea, representing the host team from Valencia, took the silver medal with a jump of 13.96 meters, achieved on her third attempt. Ana Estrella (12.98 meters/Unicaja Jaén) completed the podium.
This was the 45th edition of the Spanish championships, and Diputación Valencia C.A. dominated with 96 points out of a possible 104, as its affiliated athletes won nine of the 13 titles up for grabs.
The men’s version of the championship, known as the Joma Cup, also featured Cuban representation in the triple jump. Cristian Nápoles, representing Atletismo Albacete, jumped 16.03 meters. Although a modest mark, it was enough to secure first place ahead of Eneko Carracal (15.85 meters/Real Sociedad) and Sergio Rodríguez (15.55 meters/Facsa-Playas de Castellón).
