“This journey hasn’t been easy, but I’ve always believed that with consistency and patience, anything is possible,” said Venezuelan track and field icon Yulimar Rojas, reflecting on her brutal road to recovery. Last year, in April 2024, she ruptured her left Achilles tendon during training in Barcelona, a devastating injury that ruled her out of the Paris Olympics and kept her sidelined for 18 grueling months. Yet even in the darkest moments, Rojas held on to her belief: “No matter how long or difficult the path, with effort, faith, and hope, dreams come true.” And this year, that faith paid off. Though she didn’t strike gold at the World Championships, her hard-fought bronze was enough to spark an emotional comeback and restore her momentum.

The road to her comeback was not that filled with flowers and butterflies. The Venezuelan triple jump queen started her 2025 season earlier in March at the indoor meeting in Salamanca, Spain. Despite her best efforts, the seven-time world champion was unable to record a single valid attempt in her first competition since a career-threatening Achilles injury. After her setback in Spain, she arrived at the World Championships with renewed fire. Even the event’s social media celebrated her comeback, posting a photo of her shoes that read, “I’m back.”

And back she was, soaring 14.76m to claim the bronze in the triple jump. She may have fallen short of defending her title, but sometimes a bronze tells a richer story. From a grueling injury to a disappointing showing in Spain, her journey to the podium was a testament to resilience and strength. While having a conversation with the media, the athlete broke down as she stated, “I consider myself a woman of challenges, of goals, of commitment. Tears are the commitment to myself, to this, to return to a world champion. I’ve been looking for this medal all over the world for a long time, for two years, and I must be proud; I must be happy.”

She further added, “This medal is for me, even though it is sometimes a little bit bitter, because for me it is a little bit bitter. This medal represents the effort; it represents not giving up, believing in yourself, being brave, continuing to walk, even though people or crowds don’t want it. It has not always been easy for me to find the red jersey, and I am satisfied, but I must value it more. I must enjoy this because it represents a lot. We are back, I am back.”

Holding back her tears, Rojas revealed that two years ago, she wasn’t even sure she would ever step onto a stage like this again. Now, with a medal around her neck, bronze, silver, or gold, it doesn’t matter; what matters is the triumph, the victory over every obstacle. She didn’t stop there, sharing the harsh reality athletes face when an injury keeps them sidelined, away from the competition they love.

“You fight against yourself,” said Yulimar Rojas as she revealed the dark park of athletics

After nearly two years of hiatus, Yulimar Rojas made a triumphant return to the sandpit, claiming a hard-fought bronze with an impressive 14.76-meter leap. She showcased immense faith, but despite her efforts, Cuba’s Leyanis Perez Hernandez dominated with multiple jumps beyond 14.90 meters. Her performance certainly proved that she is back in the sand-pit, but the fear of her injuries is still there. Rojas was initially in a good position to claim the silver, but Thea Lafond’s (14.89 m) last-minute effort at the final round eclipsed Rojas.

During a media interview, the former World Champion opened up about the darker side of an athlete’s journey, “You fight against yourself, especially because it becomes difficult to manage the psychological aspect, the anxiety, the stress of wanting to return and not being able to. Seeing other athletes jumping, having competitions going on, and not being able to attend can cause a bit of emotional stress. Thanks to my psychologist, my team, my family, my coach, and my manager. I’ve managed to stay afloat.”

Time and again, athletes have had to step back from their peak to return even stronger. Rojas may not have clinched gold this time, but one thing is clear—she’s soaring again. What are your thoughts on her remarkable career?