The results shown earlier this year by Kazakhstani track and field athlete Mariya Yefremova in the triple jump provide a solid basis to predict that the upcoming summer competition season could be a very successful one for her.
There’s good reason for optimism when it comes to Mariya Yefremova’s upcoming season. Representing the Karaganda region, she made a strong impression during the winter competition period earlier this year. On February 16 in Astana, she won the Kazakhstan Indoor Championships with a triple jump of 13.61 meters. Then on March 1 in Ust-Kamenogorsk, she claimed victory at the international meet held in honor of Olympic champion Olga Rypakova, leaping even farther—13.87 meters.
Yefremova’s performance in Ust-Kamenogorsk was significant not only for the impressive distance but also for whom she beat. She outjumped one of Asia’s top triple jumpers, Japan’s Maoko Takashima, who finished third with 13.39 meters. The main battle for gold was between Yefremova and Aina Grikšaitė of Lithuania. Heading into the final attempt, the Lithuanian led by 3 centimeters—13.53 to 13.50. But in a key moment, Mariya showed not only skill but mental toughness, surpassing her rival by 6 centimeters to secure the win.
In 2024, her best jump was 13.49 meters, and she’s already gone significantly beyond that this year. It’s worth noting that Takashima held the fourth-best mark in Asia last year at 13.83 meters. The top three weren't much further ahead: Li Yi (China) – 13.99, Sharifa Davronova (Uzbekistan) – 13.89, Zheng Rui (China) – 13.87. Clearly, the leading results in Asia are very close.
Now 24, Mariya Yefremova is in Turkey for a training camp as part of her preparation for the upcoming Asian Athletics Championships, to be held in the South Korean city of Gumi from May 27 to 31. It’s worth remembering—Mariya has been Asian champion before. That was back in 2017, when she competed under her maiden name, Ovchinnikova. So why not repeat that success now?
In the photo: Mariya Yefremova. Photo – Qazathletics.kz
