Biography:
Yulimar Rojas Rodríguez (also known as Yolimar Rojas; born 21 October 1995) is a Venezuelan athlete who holds the world record for women’s triple jump, at 15.74 m (51 ft 7+12 in). She is the current Olympic champion, a three-time World Champion (2017 London, 2019 Doha and 2022 Eugene), and a three-time World Indoor Champion (2016 Portland, 2018 Birmingham, and 2022 Belgrade). Rojas is affectionately called la reina del triple salto or queen of the triple jump. Since 2014, she has been smashing Venezuelan national records in the triple jump and long jump, establishing herself as one of the most dominant athletes in her field. She is also a recipient of the prestigious Venezuelan Order of José Félix Ribas – First Class.
Raised in a deprived area of Venezuela, Rojas faced numerous challenges early on. However, she discovered her passion for sports and excelled in various disciplines as a teenager. Due to a lack of resources, it was difficult for her to pursue athletics consistently. Nevertheless, she persevered and found her way to the triple jump. In 2015, she made a life-changing decision to move to Guadalajara, Spain, to further her athletics training under coach Iván Pedroso.
Rojas’s dedication and talent paid off as she quickly became dominant in the triple jump. She consistently pushed herself to new heights and broke records. Her ability to maintain focus and excel in her sport led to remarkable achievements in major international competitions. She claimed the World Championship title in London in 2017, Doha in 2019, and Eugene in 2022. Additionally, Rojas secured three consecutive World Indoor Championship titles in Portland (2016), Birmingham (2018), and Belgrade (2022). Her performances are a testament to her extraordinary skill and determination.
In 2021, Rojas made the decision to return to long jump competition after years of solely focusing on the triple jump. This move demonstrated her versatility and determination to challenge herself in new domains. With her exceptional athleticism, she showcased her talent and made an impact in the long jump as well.
Beyond her numerous records and accolades, Rojas’s journey is also marked by her humble beginnings and the challenges she faced growing up. Born and raised in a modest shack in the Altavista area of Pozuelos, Anzoátegui, Rojas had to overcome adversities. She is one of six siblings and credits her large, poor family for instilling in her a strong drive to overcome obstacles. Rojas’s childhood home was destroyed in bad weather, but her family received better housing in 2014 following her success in athletics.
For Rojas, competing in sports not only became a means of personal growth but also a way to provide a better life for her family. She promised her mother that she would one day purchase a small house for her, driven by the desire to uplift her loved ones. Her success on the international stage and the financial stability it brought allowed her to fulfill that promise.
Rojas’s inspiring journey extends beyond her athletic accomplishments. She has become an influential figure in Venezuelan society, motivating young athletes to pursue their dreams and overcome adversity. Her story showcases the power of determination, resilience, and the pursuit of excellence, making her a role model for aspiring athletes, especially young girls.
Awards:
– Olympic Champion in Women’s Triple Jump
– Three-time World Champion in Women’s Triple Jump (2017, 2019, 2022)
– Three-time World Indoor Champion in Women’s Triple Jump (2016, 2018, 2022)
– Holder of the world record for women’s triple jump (15.74 m)
– Recipient of the Venezuelan Order of José Félix Ribas – First Class