Heartbreak for Jumping Fans: Olympic Champ Yulimar Rojas to Miss Paris Games
Devastating news shook the world of jumping sports as Olympic triple jump champion Yulimar Rojas announced her withdrawal from the upcoming Paris Games. The 28-year-old Venezuelan revealed on her Instagram account that she had suffered a torn left Achilles tendon while training in Spain, and underwent surgery in Madrid on Thursday.
“My heart is broken, and I want to apologise for not being able to represent you (Venezuelans) in Paris 2024,” Rojas expressed, clearly devastated by the sudden turn of events.
The world record holder in the event, Rojas last competed in September, where she emerged victorious in the Diamond League. She had missed the world indoor championships in Scotland in March due to the injury.
“I wanted to defend my Olympic title and I was looking forward to it, but I must stop now, understand this, recover and return at full strength to keep flying together,” the champion jumper said, expressing her determination to bounce back.
Rojas, a four-time world champion in the triple jump, set the current world record of 15.74 meters in an indoor arena in Serbia, just a year after her record-breaking performance of 15.67 meters at the Tokyo Olympics in 2021. She had also won a bronze medal in the triple jump at the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Olympics.
The news of Rojas’ absence from the Paris Games will undoubtedly be a significant blow to the sport’s enthusiasts, as they eagerly await the return of the world’s best. However, the champion’s unwavering spirit and commitment to recovery will surely inspire her fans to rally behind her, as she prepares to reclaim her throne in the years to come.
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