Furlani edges Gayle and Shi to secure long jump world title

TOKYO: Italy’s Mattia Furlani announced himself on the global stage by winning the men’s long jump world title on Wednesday with a personal best of 8.39 metres in Tokyo.

The 20-year-old, already the world indoor champion, became both the youngest and the first Italian to claim the crown. Furlani delivered his winning mark on his fifth attempt, showing composure and class in a high-pressure final.

Jamaica’s Tajay Gayle, the 2019 world champion, secured silver with 8.34 metres, while China’s Shi Yuhao leapt 8.33 metres to take bronze.

The event saw a major upset as Greece’s Miltiadis Tentoglou, the Olympic champion and favourite after topping the world rankings with 8.46 metres earlier this year, failed to progress beyond the opening three rounds. His best of 7.83 left him outside the top 10 and ended his title defence prematurely.

For Furlani, the night was a breakthrough moment — not only cementing his rising reputation but also rewriting Italian athletics history.