From Thrissur to the World Stage: Ancy Sojan Shines with Bronze in Italy
Ancy Sojan, the young and determined Indian long jumper from Thrissur, Kerala, added another proud chapter to her athletic journey by winning the bronze medal at the Lignano Meeting, part of the World Athletics Continental Tour Bronze event held in Lignano Sabbiadoro, Italy. The 24-year-old, who also serves as a Chief Petty Officer in the Indian Navy, showcased remarkable consistency throughout the competition, landing five out of six jumps above the 6.15 m mark. Her best jump of 6.36 m, achieved on her fourth attempt, secured her the third spot on the podium.Jumping Sequence: A Story of Control and ConsistencyAncy’s jumping sequence at the Lignano Meeting tells a story of fine technique and stable performance. Here's how she fared through her six attempts. 1st attempt: 6.26m, 2nd attempt: 6.35m, 3rd attempt: 6.19m, 4th attempt: 6.36m (Bronze-winning jump) 5th attempt: 6.18m, 6th attempt: 6.11m. While it wasn’t her season best, the consistent series of jumps proves her form is holding strong as the World Championships draw closer.The Battle for the PodiumAncy stood tall among strong international competitors. The gold medal was claimed by Delta Amidzovski of Australia, who made only two valid attempts but managed a brilliant 6.47m jump. Danielle Nolte from South Africa grabbed the silver with 6.44 m, narrowly edging past Ancy. Despite missing her season-best mark of 6.54 m, Ancy's performance in Italy was an improvement over her 6.21 m jump in Spain earlier this summer—a clear sign of upward momentum during the European leg of her season.More Than Just a Medal: A Journey of Grit and GloryAncy Sojan’s journey from the fields of Thrissur to international podiums is not just a story of athletics; it’s a story of courage, discipline, and resilience. Growing up in Kerala, she found her love for sports at a young age. Over time, her talent and commitment earned her a spot in the Indian Navy, where she balanced a demanding military career with intense athletic training. Representing the Indian Navy as a Chief Petty Officer, Ancy trains under a team of dedicated coaches who have helped shape her into one of India’s most promising athletes in women’s long jump.Achievements That Speak VolumesSilver Medal at the 2022 Asian Games in HangzhouSilver Medal at the 2025 Asian Athletics Championship in Gumi Personal Best: 6.71 m (Bengaluru, September 2024). Each milestone reflects her continuous effort to push her limits and make her mark on the world stage. Ancy currently holds the final qualifying spot for the 2025 World Athletics Championships in Tokyo, a dream she’s been steadily working towards. With her bronze medal in Lignano, she has boosted both her confidence and her world ranking, inching closer to securing her ticket to the global event.For athletes like Ancy, every centimetre matters. Each jump is not just a performance; it is the result of months of training, sacrifice, and mental strength. And Ancy knows that the path to greatness is filled with both highs and lows. As the season progresses, Ancy will aim to surpass her season best and possibly get closer to her personal best of 6.71 m. With Tokyo 2025 on the horizon, she will be keen to peak at the right moment. Her bronze at the Lignano Meeting is not just another medal; it’s a message to the world: Ancy Sojan is here to compete, and she’s only getting better. Her footsteps may land softly in the sand, but they leave behind echoes of hope, pride, and determination.