Andy DIAZ

At 19, Andy debuted in triple jump competitions representing Cuba. In 2017, he won his first international medal, a bronze at the Pan American Games in Lima.

On returning from the Olympic Games in Tokyo, Andy decided to leave from his home country and seek asylum in Italy. Here, he found a guide, father and friend in Fabrizio Donato, a champion triple jumper himself, who welcomed him into his own home, helped him to claim political asylum and became his coach.

He joined the Sports Division of the Italian Finance Police (known as the ‘Fiamme Gialle’). After obtaining Italian citizenship, Andy made his debut in the Italian national team at the Paris Olympic Games, winning a bronze medal. This achievement occurred on the same day – 12 years earlier – that Fabrizio Donato secured his bronze at the London Games (August 9, 2012).

Andy reached the top step of the podium at both the European Indoor Championships in Apeldoorn and the World Indoor Championships in Nanjing, setting a new Italian record. This gold medal comes 24 years after Italy’s last triumph in the triple jump at an indoor world championship.