Italian athletics enjoyed a landmark day in the United States as Larissa Iapichino rewrote the national record books at the Prefontaine Classic, one of the most prestigious stops on the Diamond League circuit, held at Hayward Field in Eugene, Oregon.
Competing against the world's strongest field, the 23-year-old opened the women's long jump with a spectacular leap of 7.12 meters, surpassing the Italian outdoor record of 7.11 meters set by her mother, Fiona May, in 1998. The performance also became the best European mark of the 2026 season and one of the finest jumps recorded worldwide this year.
Although American Olympic champion Tara Davis-Woodhall responded with a winning jump of 7.13 meters, edging Iapichino by just one centimeter, the Italian's achievement carried enormous historical significance. Breaking a national record that had stood for 28 years – and doing so on American soil at one of track and field's most iconic venues – marked a defining moment in her career.
Italy celebrated another outstanding performance thanks to Leonardo Fabbri, who dominated the men's shot put with a throw of 22.74 meters. His opening effort was enough to secure victory and established the best mark in the world this season, giving the Tuscan thrower his fifth career Diamond League victory.
The results in Eugene highlighted the growing strength of Italian athletics on the international stage. While Iapichino delivered one of the most important jumps in Italian history, Fabbri confirmed his status among the world's elite throwers with a world-leading performance.
That both milestones came in the United States added symbolic value. Eugene, Oregon – often called "TrackTown USA" because of its rich athletics tradition and the legendary Hayward Field – has hosted Olympic Trials, World Championships, and countless historic performances. Now it can also be remembered as the place where Italy celebrated one of its greatest days in recent track and field history, with a national record and a world-leading performance achieved on American soil.
