THE triumph of Yarisley Silva in Manchester on May 9 raised hopes for Cuban athletes competing in the recently begun international season, with just days to go until the IAAF Diamond League Doha 2015 men’s triple jump event.
The Caribbean pole vault star took the gold at the Great City Games held in the British city with a modest 4.30 meters, enough to act as a “warm up” in her debut performance of this year.
According to the organizers’ website, the Sopot world indoor champion surpassed the height at the third attempt after waiving 4.10 meters and clearing 4.20, also on her last jump.
Reports mentioned the light rain and low temperatures that accompanied the contestants, details which could explain the weak records.
American Melissa Gergel (4.20) took silver and the bronze medal went to German Katharina Bauer (4.10).
In total there were six home winners, including Olympic and world long jump champion Greg Rutherford and the European 100 meters hurdles indoor champion Tiffany Porter.
However, according to the coverage, the most applauded in the latter event was Jessica Ennis, London 2012 Olympic heptathlon champion, who took third place, making her comeback after being out of competition since the summer of 2013.
Yarisley’s next appearance will be on May 17 at the Shanghai Diamond League.
