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Home News 2009 SU Update: Olympic Champ Delivers

2009 SU Update: Olympic Champ Delivers

9 July 2009

Nelson Évora jumps to the gold

 

Today, July 9th, the men’s triple jump competition was held at the 25th Summer Universiade in Belgrade. A very much anticipated competition final in the Red Star Stadium as everybody wanted to see Olympic Champion Nelson Évora jump.

The Portuguese athlete qualified himself on July 7th with a single jump. With his first jump today Nelson went 17.03. A big uproar in the stadium followed but when Cuban Dairon Fuente jumped a 17.13 it was clear that the battle for the gold would be between Nelson and him. Nelson’s second jump was red flagged and he stayed in second place on the scoreboard. His third jump even went under 17. But on the fourth he recovered from the dip. Jump five he bested the Cuban with one cm. And with his final jump he left all competition behind him marking a 17.22 and grabbing the gold. The bronze went to Vladimir Letnicov (MDA).

When FISU Media asked him to comment on his victory, he said he had enjoyed the Universiade competition. ‘The Cuban was a great opponent’, Nelson added. During my jumps I felt a little weakened due to lack of sugar. But I regained some energy and was able to do a final good jump. I’m happy with the result and my medal.’

 

 

 

 

 Dairon Fuente