Cuba's Star Triple Jumper Reappears in Portugal After Defecting from Team Camp in Germany 

By Adam Kopet, DyeStat Editor

As was previously reported, Cuba's star triple jumper, Pedro Pablo Pichardo, disappeared from a training camp in Germany earlier this month. It has been suspected he had a falling out with the Cuban national federation and defected, looking for new home country.

It seems the world #4 all-time triple jumper has found a potential new home in Portugal. Pulse GH has reported that Pichardo has signed with the Portuguese sports club Benfica. The multi-sports club is best known for soccer.

The now 23-year old athlete won silver medals in the triple jump at the 2013 and 2015 IAAF World Championships, competing for Cuba. He has a personal best of 59-4 (18.08m) from 2015, but he sat out 2016 with an injury, missing the Rio Olympics.

Now that Pichardo has surfaced, his battle with the Cuban federation will begin anew. He faces a potential eight-year ban from the Cuban national team unless he successfully transfers his allegiance to another country.

However, the IAAF has temporarily placed a hold on all new allegiance transfer applications while new rules and regulations are created. This will delay Pichardo's ability to compete at the IAAF World Championships or Olympic Games.