In an exciting night in Tokyo, a 20-year-old Italian athlete made history in the world long jump event. Mattia Furlani jumped 8.39 meters to win the gold medal. This was his best jump ever and showed he is one of the best young jumpers in the world. The big favorite, Greece’s Miltiadis Tentoglou, had a bad day and did not even make it to the second round. This win makes Furlani the youngest ever to take the world long jump title and the first Italian to do so. The event happened on September 17, 2025, during the World Athletics Championships. Fans and experts are talking about how this young star is changing the sport.
1. Furlani’s Amazing Fifth Jump Seals the Victory
Mattia Furlani started the competition as the world indoor champion. But his first three jumps were not great – he had two no-jumps and one that measured 8.22 meters. This put him in fourth place early on. Switzerland’s Simon Ehammer was third with 8.30 meters. Furlani stayed calm and focused. On his fifth try, he ran fast down the runway and leaped far into the humid night air. His jump hit 8.39 meters, a new personal best. No one could beat it in the last round. This big leap not only won him gold but also proved his skill under pressure.
Furlani was overjoyed after the win. He said, “This is a most special evening. I worked so hard and put so much determination into getting a medal.” He explained that he had a small issue with his run-up at the start but stayed calm and saved his best for the end. For him, 2025 has been a perfect year with this gold medal. At just 20 years old, Furlani is seen as the future of long jump. His win highlights how young athletes can rise to the top with hard work and smart training.
2. Jamaica’s Tajay Gayle Takes Silver After Tough Injury Battle
Coming in second was Jamaica’s Tajay Gayle with a jump of 8.34 meters. Gayle won the world title six years ago and got bronze in 2023. But injuries have made things hard for him lately. He started strong with an 8.33-meter jump, which tied China’s Shi Yuhao for the lead. In the fourth round, Gayle added one centimeter to edge ahead. His hamstrings were sore from the qualification round, but he pushed through the pain.
Gayle called his silver “wonderful” and was happy with the result. He aimed for 8.40 meters but was nervous about getting hurt. “I tried to bet it all on my first jump and I was really grateful for that 8.33m,” he said. He praised Furlani, saying, “All in all it was a great competition and Mattia was jumping really well tonight.” Gayle’s story shows the grit needed in athletics. Despite the injuries, his experience helped him secure a strong silver medal.
3. China’s Shi Yuhao Earns Bronze with a Comeback Story
Rounding out the podium was China’s Shi Yuhao with 8.33 meters. Like Gayle, Shi matched the Jamaican’s opening jump. He stayed in the mix but could not go further. Shi’s path to this medal was full of challenges. In 2018, he suffered a serious injury that almost made him quit the sport. After surgery, he worked hard to come back stronger.
Shi shared his secrets to success. He has two coaches: one Chinese coach who is like a father and was with him during tough injury times. He also trains with Randy Huntington’s group, which taught him modern techniques and new training ways. “One of the secrets of my success is having two coaches,” Shi said. His bronze medal is a testament to his determination and smart approach to the sport.
4. Favorite Tentoglou’s Disappointing Early Exit
The event’s big shock was the failure of Greece’s Miltiadis Tentoglou. He is the double Olympic champion and defending world champion. This year, he had the world’s best jump of 8.46 meters. But cramps hit him hard. His first jump was only 7.83 meters, which ranked 11th after three rounds. Only the top 10 advanced, so he was out.
Tentoglou felt great in warm-up and said he was in the best shape of his life. But cramps in both calves struck during his first attempt. “I got cramps in my calf in both legs at the same time on my first attempt and then I couldn’t do anything,” he said. He called it his worst competition ever. This upset shows how unpredictable sports can be, even for top athletes. Fans hope Tentoglou recovers for future events.
5. What This Win Means for Long Jump and Young Athletes
Furlani’s victory is a big deal for Italy and the sport. He is the first Italian to win the world long jump gold. At 20, he is the youngest champion, beating records set long ago. His jump of 8.39 meters is a personal best and ranks high globally. This event took place in Tokyo, where the air was humid, adding to the challenge.
The competition had great jumps overall, with the top three all over 8.30 meters. Ehammer’s 8.30 kept him in fourth. The men’s long jump always draws crowds for its mix of speed, power, and grace. Furlani’s calm under pressure and late surge inspire young jumpers. As the world championships continue, this gold sets a high bar. Experts say Furlani could dominate for years if he stays healthy.
In summary, Mattia Furlani’s gold medal leap of 8.39 meters made him a star in Tokyo. With silver for Gayle and bronze for Shi, the podium showed talent and resilience. Even with Tentoglou’s early exit, the event was thrilling. This win boosts Italy’s athletics pride and highlights the rise of young stars in long jump.
