Matilde Tejos: Chile’s Record-Breaking Jumper and Collegiate Rising Star

Matilde Tejos has emerged as one of Chile’s most promising track and field athletes, specializing in the triple jump and long jump while rewriting national records and making waves in collegiate athletics. Born on January 11, 2005, in Las Condes, Chile, Tejos’ journey from a precocious junior competitor to a University of Miami standout exemplifies technical precision, resilience, and the pursuit of excellence on the global stage.

Early Life and Foundations

Beginnings in Las Condes

Tejos’ athletic journey began in her hometown of Las Condes, where her natural aptitude for jumps became evident early. Trained initially by Cristián Reyes—brother of former Chilean record-holder Macarena Reyes—she developed a foundation in body control and phase mechanics. Her early focus on triple jump and long jump set the stage for her later dominance.

Transition to IMG Academy

In 2022, Tejos relocated to Bradenton, Florida, to train at IMG Academy, a hub for elite athletes. This move marked a pivotal shift, exposing her to advanced coaching and competition. Under IMG’s program, she refined her approach velocity and technical execution, crucial for her record-breaking performances2517.

Career Highlights and Record-Breaking Performances

National and Continental Success

• 2022 South American Youth Games (Rosario):
  Tejos announced her international potential with silver in long jump (5.80m) and bronze in triple jump, showcasing her versatility61318.

• 2023 Chilean Indoor Triple Jump Record:
  At the Florida Indoor Championships, Tejos leaped 12.23m, shattering Macarena Reyes’ 19-year-old record (11.95m). This performance ranked her 12th in the U.S. high school rankings and solidified her status as Chile’s jumping prodigy5717.

• 2024 Pepsi Florida Relays:
  She set a personal best of 11.88m (38′ 11.75″) in triple jump, further cementing her reputation as a consistent performer3819.

Collegiate Ascent at Miami

Joining the University of Miami in 2024 as a freshman, Tejos quickly adapted to NCAA competition:

• 2025 Indoor Season:

  • Long jump: 5.73m (18′ 9.75″) at the Hurricane Collegiate Invitational9.

  • Triple jump: 12.19m (40′ 0″) at the Hurricane Invitational, demonstrating her growth under collegiate coaching911.

• Technical Refinement:
  Miami’s program honed her hop-step-jump phase ratios and approach mechanics, critical for maximizing distance in variable conditions919.

Technical Mastery and Training Philosophy

Signature Techniques

• Triple Jump:
  Tejos employs a hop-dominated phase ratio (36%-30%-34%), optimizing force transfer while maintaining velocity. Her 14-stride approach accelerates to 8.2m/s, generating explosive takeoff energy517.

• Long Jump:
  Focused on board accuracy and low heel recovery, she achieves foul-free rates exceeding 85%, a testament to her technical discipline819.

Injury Management and Adaptability

Early challenges, including adjusting to indoor tracks and overseas training, informed her emphasis on proprioceptive drills and eccentric strengthening. Her ability to peak for major events, like the 2023 indoor record, underscores her mental resilience57.

Cultural Impact and Future Trajectory

Inspiring Chilean Athletics

Tejos’ success has revitalized interest in jumps in Chile, a discipline historically overshadowed by distance running. Through social media tutorials and youth clinics, she mentors aspiring athletes, emphasizing technical literacy1217.

Olympic Aspirations

With the 2028 Los Angeles Games as a target, Tejos aims to breach the 13.50m triple jump barrier. Planned altitude training at facilities like Chula Vista Elite Athlete Training Center will focus on plyometric capacity and anaerobic thresholds912.

Challenges and Growth

Tejos has openly discussed the difficulties of balancing elite training with cultural adaptation:

“En Chile es muy difícil seguir con el deporte de alto rendimiento… Estar lejos de casa es difícil, pero mi familia está cerca mío y estoy contenta”1217.
Her journey reflects the broader struggles of Chilean athletes accessing resources, making her achievements even more significant.

Conclusion

Matilde Tejos’ ascent from Las Condes to NCAA prominence embodies the fusion of innate talent and relentless work ethic. As she continues to refine her craft, her story transcends athletics, symbolizing the potential of Chilean youth on the global stage. With each leap, Tejos not only challenges national records but also inspires a generation to view track and field as a canvas for ambition. The road to 2028 is paved with promise, and this rising star is poised to redefine Chilean jumping history.

Go Matilde!