Nazim Babayev returns to athletics, targets 2028 Olympics

Azerbaijani triple jumper Nazim Babayev has returned to elite athletics after changing his decision to retire, Azerbaijan Athletics Federation Secretary General Maharram Sultanzade said.

Babayev has begun training in a bid to qualify for the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles. He previously experienced back problems. The athlete said doctors had cleared him to continue his career after consultations.

Nazim Babayev won gold in the triple jump at the European Indoor Championships. He is also a two-time champion of the World Summer Universiade and a winner of the Islamic Solidarity Games.

Babayev announced his retirement at the Azerbaijan championships in June this year. He has now reversed that decision, returned to competition and is preparing to compete for a place at the Los Angeles Olympics.