Tokyo : Italy’s Mattia Furlani etched his name in the history books on September 17, 2025, as he claimed the men’s long jump gold at the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo with an electrifying leap of 8.39 meters. This mark wasn’t just a personal best; it crowned him the youngest-ever men’s long jump world champion, surpassing the legendary Carl Lewis, who first claimed the title at age 22 in 1983.
Furlani’s winning jump came in the fifth round, propelling him past a fierce field including Jamaica’s Tajay Gayle, the 2019 world champion, who closely followed with a season-best 8.34m to secure silver, and China’s Shi Yuhao, who took bronze with an 8.33m leap. The competition was intense and thrilling right up to the final jump, showcasing Furlani’s poise and determination under pressure.
Born on February 7, 2005, Furlani has been a prodigy in the world of athletics. Coached by his father, former high jumper Marcello Furlani, he has a rich sporting lineage, including his mother and sister who both excelled in track and field events. Mattia’s breakthrough season in 2025 adds to an already impressive résumé: he is the reigning World Indoor Champion, Olympic bronze medallist from Paris 2024, and holds multiple European U20 and World U20 indoor records.
Notably, in May 2023, Furlani soared 8.44m with wind assistance—a distance that marks the longest jump ever by an U20 athlete in any condition, underlining his exceptional talent well before becoming a senior world champion.
Reflecting on his Tokyo triumph, Furlani said, “Winning here in Tokyo is a dream come true. To become the youngest world champion in long jump means everything to me. I have always looked up to legends like Carl Lewis, and today, I take one step closer to joining their ranks.”
Furlani’s victory marks a significant milestone for Italian athletics, showcasing the country’s emergence on the world stage in field events. With his combination of youthful energy, refined technique, and fierce competitive spirit, Furlani is expected to dominate the long jump scene for years to come.
As the 20-year-old celebrates this monumental achievement, fans and experts alike eagerly anticipate his future exploits—perhaps aiming for world records and Olympic golds in a flourishing career just beginning to take flight.
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