Durante la celebración de la competición, se irán publicando diferentes declaraciones de los grandes protagonistas del WIT Gold Madrid 2026.
During the competition we will upload different statements of the big stars in the WIT Gold Madrid 2026.
JORDAN GIEST (USA) Shot Put (22.04 WL)
Jordan Geist, shot put winner:
It was very good—great crowd here, a lot of energy, and strong competition. I’m really happy with the result today.
The goal was to come here and try to win and secure the automatic qualifier for the World Championships. Right now, I’m just taking it one competition at a time. Belgrade is next week, and hopefully I can get another good result there and keep improving—getting past 22.04, maybe 22.05, would be nice.
It’s great here. The city is beautiful, and the fans bring a lot of energy. This is one of the best crowds I’ve ever performed in front of—they make it easy to throw far here.
It was absolutely great competition. A lot of us achieved season’s bests that would have been world leads prior to last weekend, so it was a really strong field. I’m hoping some of those guys will be in Belgrade next week as well, so we can create a similar atmosphere.
LORENZO SIMONELLI (ITA) 60 m hurdles – 7.50 SB – 2nd place
“I felt really good in this race. I came here after a difficult period, but I already ran well in the heats and today confirmed that feeling. My next race will be even better. Right now, I feel in very good shape. I don’t know exactly how far I can go this season, but my main focus is the World Championships. If I can also challenge the Italian record, that would be a great bonus.”
MARTA GARCIA (ESP). 1500m. 4:07:18
The race gave me confidence. Even though training hadn’t been going as well as I would have liked, it showed me that everything is still there—that all the work I’ve done is still in my legs. Even if I get sick or have a few weeks of poor sensations, when I ask my legs to perform, today they gave their maximum, and I’m happy about that.
Really good feelings, honestly. I came to test where I was at, feeling a bit below my best, and against all expectations, it went better than expected. I had my best start ever, so I’m very happy.
It’s wonderful to run in front of the crowd here with the atmosphere that always exists in Gallur. Without a doubt, that was one of the reasons I wanted to be here, even if the conditions weren’t perfect for me. The important thing is to be here and give my best, whether the result is better or worse.
Honestly, I hadn’t looked at the start lists until the last day because I didn’t even want to know—I was treating it more as a test for myself. But when I finally saw the start lists and the pace, I thought, “Let’s see how we manage this.” I think we handled it in the best possible way, and I’m very happy with that.
LAETITIA BAPTÉ (FRA). 60m hurdles. 7.90
I didn’t actually see Alaysha Johnson at the end—I just sensed she was there. I just need to learn how to control my hips better between the hurdles, and after that, everything should fall into place and my times should come down. I love the crowd—they cheer for everyone, which is great—and I’m proud to compete in Madrid. I plan to come back.
ALI AL BALUSHI (OMA) 60 m (6.53)
Thank you for having me. This is my second World Indoor Tour Gold. The first one was last year, where I finished second, but this season I feel I’m in a much better place. I’ll see you at the World Championships, inshallah. I’ve got more to give. Thank you
JENNS REYNOLD FERNÁNDEZ (CUB). 60m. 6.56
«I’m super happy. This is my first time here in Madrid, it’s been the best season for me, and I’m really pleased. I hope to be back here in Madrid again next time.
I’m happy because last year was quite difficult due to injuries, and I feel like I’m finally recovering good sensations and getting back to my level.
It’s incredible. I have to say, I’m a FC Barcelona fan, but I really like Madrid. My first experience here was amazing—the venue looked beautiful and the show was fantastic.
I’m sure I will come back. Now I will race on Sunday in Dortmund, and then we’ll see how that race goes.»
ENRIQUE LLOPIS (ESP) 60m hurdles (7.45)
“Honestly, today we managed to bring that time down and we’re absolutely delighted. We knew we were training for it, and we got it done today. I also think there’s still a bit more in the tank.”
“The Madrid Meeting is crazy. You wouldn’t think so, but every year it tops itself. It already feels wild, and then the next year it’s even crazier. The crowd literally makes you fly — in the end, it’s not even you running on the track, it’s the crowd.”
“When we go to a championship, we always go all in, giving 100%. If we can hit a personal best again, even better, and if not, the goal is to stay consistent at this level.”
“For me, medals are even more important. Times obviously matter and they stay there, but medal chances are limited. In the end, what really matters is performing when it counts most, at the major championships.”
NADIA BATTOCLETTI (ITA) 1500 m – 2nd place – 4:03.59 PB
“I really enjoyed today’s race. First of all, I want to thank the organizers for this event. Madrid brings me great memories—last summer I won the European Team Championships here. Every time I run in Spain, I do it with a smile. I feel very good here; people are truly kind to me.
This was my last indoor 1500 m of the season. My main goal this year is the European Championships in Birmingham, although I haven’t decided yet which distance I will compete in.”
TSHEPO TSHITE (RSA) 3000 m – Winner – 7:39.11
“The most important thing today was the victory, and I have to admit that I expected this result. This is my first season racing over 3000 metres, so I’m still learning, and this race taught me a lot. My plan is to continue focusing on this distance. Competing here in Madrid was a good test for me.”
BLANCA HERVÁS (ESP). 400m – 2nd place – 51.59
«I feel great, honestly, I’m really happy. During the race I felt very strong and full of confidence. I’m in a good place right now, and I just hope I can stay injury-free and manage the aches and pains, because I’m really excited about this season.
Yes, during the race Lieke looked a bit further ahead, but I felt very strong in the closing stages. I kept gaining on her and got really close, which shows me that I can trust myself.
It’s incredible — 90% of what I did today was thanks to the crowd. Competing at home, where you train every day, and seeing the stands full, a sold-out arena, people smiling and cheering for you… it’s amazing.»
MOHAMED ATTAOUI (ESP) – 1000m 2:14.52 EUROPEAN RECORD
“I came in really hungry for the world record, and racing at home is just incredible. I came very close, but I still broke the European record and the Spanish record, so I’m really happy — and I know I’m capable of much more.”
“I had a bit of an issue with the pacemaker. I was catching him from behind and asking him to move aside so I could get through, but it wasn’t possible. Still, the race was amazing — Madrid is incredible and the crowd carried me all the way.”
“Now my focus is on the Spanish Championships, where I’ll be fighting to secure my place for the World Championships.”
LIEKE KLAVER (NED) 400 m – Winner – 51.26
“I’m not satisfied with my time today because my goal is to run under 51 seconds. I’m feeling a lot of lactic acid right now, so it was a tough race. I hope I can take something from this performance and discuss it with my coach. Honestly, I expected a better result. My main focus this season is the World Championships.”
AGATE DE SOUSA (POR) – Long Jump | 6.97
“I came in with really high expectations, because I saw just before competition day that the tickets were sold out. That’s when I realised the stadium was going to be full, and that got me even more excited.
So I went out there, took off, and Madrid helped me.
Now we’re going to take a break after this competition and then focus on preparing for the World Championships, which is the most important indoor event right now.”
AUDREY WERRO (SUI). 800m. 2:00:68
«I’m feeling really great. It was my second race of the season, and I’m trying to gain as much experience as possible. My goal today wasn’t necessarily to take the lead, but to stay composed and be fully engaged in the race.
Yes, I’m happy with my marks. I already set my PB at the beginning of the season, so now I’m focused on gaining experience and hopefully running faster in the upcoming races.
The atmosphere was fantastic, and the crowd was very loud, which really encouraged us to run faster.
My biggest goal for the indoor season is the World Championships in Toruń, and that is definitely the main focus for this season.»