8.83m long jumper is to return to the scene of his World Indoor Championships success for the Müller Indoor Grand Prix

Cuba's Juan Miguel Echevarría is to return to Birmingham in February, heading back to the scene of his IAAF World Indoor Championships success secured earlier this year.

The 20-year-old leapt 8.46m to win the world indoor long jump title at Arena Birmingham in March and went on to soar out to a marginally wind-aided mark of 8.83m (+2.1m/sec) in Stockholm in June.

He's now seeking another strong indoor season, which will include the Müller Indoor Grand Prix Birmingham on February 16, as he works towards the IAAF World Championships in Doha next September.

"Birmingham is a city that is very close to my heart as it’s where I won my first international senior medal in what was a really amazing year for me," said Echevarría.

"I love competing in Birmingham and the fans are amazing there, so it will be great to return less than a year on from winning my world indoor title.

"2019 is a hugely important year for me. I need to keep up my good form and momentum starting with a good indoor season before maintaining it for a long year through to the Worlds."

He added: "I know that I can jump far, I proved it in 2018 and now it’s time to show that I can continue to deliver on the major stages, with the Müller Indoor Grand Prix Birmingham next February a big test that is an important part of this."

Major events director for British Athletics, Cherry Alexander, said: "To have talent like Echevarría confirmed to compete at the Müller Indoor Grand Prix Birmingham is a great coup for us and highlights the strength of the event and level of athletics to expect.

"As the very best indoor meeting in the world, having Juan confirmed alongside the likes of our very own Laura Muir provides an opportunity for fans to see the very best British and global stars right here in Birmingham."