Tokyo World Athletics Championships 2025: Women’s Triple Jump Preview – Rojas Returns, Lafond Leads, Perez Hernandez Rising

By: Denise N. Fyffe

The women’s triple jump at the Tokyo 2025 World Athletics Championships is set to be one of the marquee events of the meet, featuring a field stacked with Olympic champions, world record holders, and a new wave of Cuban talent eager to challenge for glory.

Leyanis Pérez Hernández: Cuba’s Consistent Force

Few athletes have been as dominant on the Diamond League circuit in 2025 as Leyanis Pérez Hernández. The Cuban star captured three major victories—Oslo (14.72m), Brussels (14.78m), and the Final in Zurich (14.91m)—while also setting the world outdoor seasonal best of 14.92m in Brescia.

Pérez Hernández, who also claimed the world indoor title in Nanjing with 14.93m, enters Tokyo with five of the top six jumps recorded this year. Having already secured her place among the world’s elite, she will now aim to step onto the outdoor world championship podium for the first time.

Cuba’s Triple Threat: Velazco and Povea Join the Battle

Cuba’s depth in the women’s triple jump is undeniable. Alongside Pérez Hernández are compatriots Davisleidy Velazco, who leaped to a lifetime best of 14.72m in Brussels and finished third in Zurich (14.65m), and Liadagmis Povea, the world indoor silver medallist in Nanjing, who registered a seasonal best of 14.84m in Brescia.

With three Cubans all capable of surpassing the 14.70m mark, Tokyo could see a historic sweep—or at least multiple podium appearances—for the Caribbean nation.

Thea Lafond: Dominica’s Golden Hero

Thea Lafond etched her name into history at the Paris 2024 Olympics, becoming the first-ever athlete from Dominica to win Olympic gold after her stunning leap of 15.01m. Earlier that year, she also secured the world indoor gold in Glasgow with a personal best of 15.02m.

Although her 2025 season has been more subdued, with a best of 14.62m and consistent top-four Diamond League finishes, Lafond thrives on the biggest stages. Tokyo offers her a chance to further solidify her status as one of the premier jumpers of her generation.

Shanieka Ricketts: Jamaica’s Reliable Medalist

Veteran Jamaican jumper Shanieka Ricketts has built an impressive résumé, including Olympic silver in Paris 2024 and World Championship silver medals in Doha 2019 and Eugene 2022.

This season, Ricketts continued her winning ways, claiming Diamond League victories in Doha (14.72m) and Rome (14.64m), as well as the NACAC Championships in Freeport (14.29m). Her consistency and competitive fire keep her firmly in the mix for another global medal.

Jasmine Moore: America’s Versatile Star

Jasmine Moore, one of the brightest US talents, has shown brilliance across both the long jump and triple jump. She claimed Olympic bronze medals in both events in Paris, underscoring her versatility. In 2025, Moore won her first Diamond League competition in the long jump in Chorzow (6.85m) and secured victory at the US Championships in the triple jump with 14.68m.

Her growing confidence makes her a dangerous contender in Tokyo.

Yulimar Rojas: The Queen Returns

The biggest storyline, however, is the return of Yulimar Rojas. The Venezuelan superstar, world record holder (15.67m in Tokyo 2021) and four-time world champion, missed the Paris Olympics due to an Achilles tendon injury, a devastating setback for the sport’s most dominant triple jumper.

Now, nearly two years since her last triple jump competition—the 2023 Diamond League Final in Eugene (15.08m)—Rojas makes her long-awaited comeback in Tokyo, at the very venue where she set her historic world record. Her presence alone guarantees electrifying drama and renewed excitement for fans worldwide.

Other Athletes to Watch

Ackelia Smith (Jamaica): Three-time NCAA champion with momentum heading into her first senior global final.
Neja Filipič (Slovenia): Continues to progress with consistent jumps over 14m.
Caroline Joyeux (Germany): Improved her personal best to 14.45m this season and seeks to break into the global top tier.
Erica Giorgia Saraceni (Italy): The European U20 champion from Tampere, boasting a PB of 14.24m, represents the next generation of talent.

A Battle of Legends and New Powerhouses

The Tokyo 2025 women’s triple jump will likely come down to a clash between the legendary dominance of Yulimar Rojas, the rising Cuban trio led by Pérez Hernández, and the tenacity of Lafond and Ricketts. With several women capable of jumping beyond 15 meters, the event promises to be one of the most electrifying contests of the championships.

Will Rojas reclaim her throne? Will Lafond back up her Olympic glory? Or will Pérez Hernández and Cuba usher in a new era of dominance? The answers will unfold in Tokyo, where every jump could rewrite history.

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About the writer: Denise N. Fyffe is a publisher and author for more than 15 years. She has written more than 70 books and enjoys mentoring, gardening and traveling. She is also a trainer and educator, helping others to achieve their dreams.