Radio Cadena Agramonte emisiora de Camagüey
Asunción, August 20 - From the very beginning, it was clear that the men’s long jump final would be challenging at Asunción 2025. A day of heavy rain and temperatures around 15° Celsius led to slips on the board, caution during the run-up, and muscle strains throughout the event. However, Aniel Molina managed to secure a valuable gold medal amidst such adversity.
This marks the second title for Cuban athletics at the Junior Pan American Games, achieved with a jump of 7.95 meters, which was unattainable for Colombian Jhon Valencia (7.39 m) and Cayman Islands representative Andrew Stone (7.37 m), the other winners in the rain and cold.
“It was a very difficult competition because we faced the worst weather conditions. I expected a better mark, but the rain didn’t help much,” he explained.
Aniel secured the title on his first attempt with a jump of 7.62 meters, which would ultimately remain out of reach for the other finalists. He later solidified his victory with a decisive 7.95 meters, a mark very hard to surpass on such a night.
“That’s what training is for—to learn how to adjust technical details in situations like this. I listened to my coach’s advice and went out strong to achieve the result,” he commented.
After the second round, Aniel recorded four consecutive fouls, but he maintains that his goal to achieve a better mark was more influential. “I wanted a jump that would bring me closer to the World Championships in Tokyo,” he stated.
Nevertheless, the Cuban finished a happy night with his gold medal, not only because he defeated eleven jumpers but also because he triumphed over challenges as immense as the weather through sheer talent and preparation. (Text and photo: Cubadebate)
