In the high-stakes world of track and field, few athletes burst onto the scene with the explosive force of Italian long jumper Mattia Furlani. At only 21 years old in 2026, Furlani has already claimed the title of reigning world champion both indoors and outdoors, amassing a collection of medals that would make veterans envious. His journey from a promising junior to a global dominator is a tale of perseverance, breakthrough performances, and sheer talent. This article dives into the key milestones that have defined his rapid ascent, drawing from his remarkable story.
Early Challenges and Junior Triumphs
Furlani’s path wasn’t always paved with gold. In 2022, as the European champion with a personal best of 8.04 meters, he entered the Under-20 World Athletics Championships in Cali full of promise. Facing stiff competition, including defending champion Owan Kennate, Furlani struggled in the final, landing at 7.76 meters and finishing seventh. It was a humbling experience, but one that fueled his drive.
The turning point came in 2023 at the Fanny Blankers-Koen Games in the Netherlands. There, Furlani soared to victory in the men’s long jump with an impressive 8.24 meters, shattering the Italian junior record and marking a massive personal best. This win signaled his readiness for the senior stage.
Later that year, at the World Athletics Championships in Budapest, Furlani made his senior debut. Though he placed 18th and failed to qualify for the final, the exposure to elite competition was invaluable, setting the stage for his future successes.
Breakthrough on the Global Stage: 2024 World Indoors and Olympics
2024 proved to be a pivotal year. At the World Indoor Championships in Glasgow, the 19-year-old Furlani went head-to-head with reigning Olympic champion Miltiadis Tentoglou. The competition was electric: Tentoglou opened with 8.22 meters, matched exactly by Furlani, leading to a tie broken by second-best jumps. Furlani briefly led with 8.10 meters in the fourth round, but Tentoglou reclaimed gold with 8.15 meters. Furlani’s silver was his first world championship medal, a moment he described as “crazy” and dedicated to his mother and Italy. “I’m really excited for this… returned in Italy with the medal,” he said post-event.
That summer, Furlani made his Olympic debut in Paris at just 19, leaping 8.34 meters to secure bronze. It was a stunning achievement for such a young athlete, solidifying his status as a rising star.
Double World Champion: Dominance in 2025
Entering 2025 as the world indoor silver medalist and Olympic bronze winner, Furlani returned to the World Indoor Championships in Nanjing with gold in his sights. He seized the lead with 8.30 meters, holding off challengers like Wayne Pinnock, who took silver. Commentary captured the drama: “Mate Fani is finally going to get his global golden medal. You have done it from Italy. You’re a champion of the world.”
The pinnacle came at the 2025 World Athletics Championships in Tokyo. No Italian man had ever won the outdoor long jump title, and the youngest previous winner was 22. Furlani, at 20, made history. In the penultimate round, he surged into the lead, surpassing Taj Gayle’s 8.07 meters with a jump that sealed gold. “Fellaini absolutely amazing,” the announcers exclaimed. Reflecting on the win, Furlani said, “I don’t have words because it’s a perfect year… we did it the gold medal.”
Looking Ahead: A Bright Future in 2026 and Beyond
Furlani’s 2026 season has started strong, with jumps consistently above 8.30 meters, matching his Tokyo-winning form. With events like the World Indoor Championships in March and the Ultimate Championships in Budapest on the horizon, the young Italian is poised for even greater heights.
Mattia Furlani’s story is one of resilience and raw talent, proving that age is no barrier to greatness in athletics. As he continues to leap forward, the world watches in anticipation of what this prodigy will achieve next.
Video Source: YouTube
