Portuguese triple jumper Pedro Pablo Pichardo secured qualification for the European Athletics Championships final at the Alexander Stadium in Birmingham, advancing on his first attempt with a mark of 17.56 meters, according to competition records. The two-time world champion and current Olympic silver medalist easily surpassed the 16.60-meter automatic qualifying threshold, setting up a Saturday night showdown against Italian rival Andy Díaz.
Pichardo Advances on First Attempt in Birmingham
Pedro Pablo Pichardo needed only a single jump during Wednesday’s qualifying round to secure his spot in the final. The 33-year-old athlete opened with a leap of 17.56 meters, comfortably clearing the 16.60-meter standard set by organizers. “I felt good and we achieved the goal, which was to make just one jump and get direct qualification,” Pichardo told reporters in the mixed zone at the Alexander Stadium.
Pichardo enters the final aiming to reclaim the European outdoor title he won in Munich in 2022. At the subsequent championships in Rome in 2024, he finished behind Spain’s Jordan Díaz to claim the silver medal. The reigning champion is absent from the Birmingham competition, but a fresh rivalry has emerged at the top of the event.
Renewed Rivalry With Italian Competitors
The qualification round established a clear battle line between Pichardo and the Italian contingent, led by indoor world champion Andy Díaz. Andy Díaz holds the top European mark of the year at 17.87 meters—16 centimeters further than Pichardo’s season best. Pichardo admitted that remarks made by the Italian jumper following the indoor world championships in Torun prompted him to reverse plans to rest this season.
“I had said that this year I wasn’t going to compete, that I was going to rest, partly because I am close to my sports retirement, but I saw the indoor track [World Championships] and I got motivated, because I saw the guy from Italy say that he is the best,” Pichardo said. “So I had to come from my house and return to training to show on Saturday who is the best.”
Andy Díaz advanced to the final with a qualification mark of 17.05 meters, finishing second behind Pichardo. Fellow Italians Simone Biasutti (16.71 meters) and Andrea Dallavalle (16.55 meters) also secured their places in the final. Asked about competing against multiple Italian jumpers, Pichardo remained defiant: “They could be four or five Italians. I am ready. Saturday is the day.”
Tiago Luís Pereira Excluded After Difficult Season
While Pichardo advanced smoothly, compatriot Tiago Luís Pereira was eliminated from the competition. Pereira, a Sporting athlete and bronze medalist at the 2024 indoor world championships in Glasgow, managed a best jump of 15.95 meters on his second attempt during the qualification round. That mark fell short of the automatic qualifying standard and the 12th-place cutoff secured by Hungary’s Dániel Szenderffy, who advanced with 16.06 meters.
Pereira entered the event with a modest season’s best of 15.64 meters, well off his personal record of 17.11 meters. “It wasn’t what I wanted, of course, but it was a very difficult season for me, in terms of training, in terms of personal terms, and, sincerely, I’m happy it’s over,” Pereira said.
Reflecting on the result, the 32-year-old athlete added that the outcome was difficult to accept given his career capabilities. “I think good athletics connoisseurs, who know my value, know what I can do inside the track. The event ended and I looked at the qualifying mark, who passed and, really, I thought it unbelievable not to be in the final. But I also know everything that was behind this season and understand why I’m not in the final. Now, I’m going to reorganize myself, stay healthy to come back strong for next season.”
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the triple jump final at the European Athletics Championships?
The men’s triple jump final is scheduled for Saturday at 20:17 local time.
What distance was required for automatic qualification?
Athletes needed to clear 16.60 meters to secure direct entry into the final round.
Who recorded the best mark in the qualifying round?
Pedro Pablo Pichardo led the qualification round with a jump of 17.56 meters on his first attempt.
Did other Portuguese athletes advance?
No. While Pedro Pablo Pichardo advanced with the top mark, Tiago Luís Pereira was eliminated after recording a best jump of 15.95 meters.
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