The confirmation of more than 200 participants from all provinces and the official retirement of Jorge Yadian Fernandez marked the inauguration of the Cuba Cup of Athletics 2024, which will start this Friday.
Thrilled to receive so many expressions of affection, the Pan American champion in Guadalajara 2011 and three-time Olympic competitor was proud of the years dedicated to the sport and urged the new generations to give their best in every training session.
He also assured his determination to contribute his knowledge to train the future figures of the specialty.
Authorities of the Inder of Matanzas and his native Cárdenas, as well as directors of the national commission and the Cuban sports federation, were present to bid farewell to Jorge Yadián, who received several gifts, including a large portrait with his image in the throwing circle.
In addition to the emotional moment, the presentation ceremony of the teams of each territory that will animate the Cuban field and track competition was held at the Pan American Stadium.
Rolando Charroo, national commissioner of athletics, ratified that there are all the conditions to maintain the continuity of the event, despite the complex situations the country is going through, and urged all participants to offer an attractive show to the fans.
He acknowledged that, due to these circumstances, for the first time the provincial commissioners were not part of the delegations. However, he said that the time will be sought to bring them all together in order to establish the usual exchange of work that is part of the program of these competitions.
Among the main attractions of the imminent edition is the women’s 800 meters, given the fight for the throne that the Camagüeyans Rose Mary Almanza and Daily Cooper, together with Sahily Diago from Matanzas, queen of the distance in the Pan American Games of Santiago 2023, will have to fight for the throne.
In the men’s 100 meters, which closes the opening day, a possible final between the five best sprinters of the moment: Shainer Reginfo (IJV), Edel Amores (MTZ), Reinaldo Espinosa (LTU), Yaniel Carrero (SSP) and Anier Lopez (SCU) generates expectations.
For the women’s version of the specialty, an interesting battle is expected between Yunisleidy García (VCL) and Yarima García (CMG).
Of the six Cubans who have so far qualified for the Olympics, only Roxana Gómez (Cienfuegos), favorite to win the 400 meters, will compete.
In the remaining events, it will be necessary to closely follow the performance of some of the favorites, such as the discus thrower Silinda Morales (CMG), the ballista Juan Carley Vázquez (HAB) and the long jumper Alejandro Parada (SCU).
They are part of a group with possibilities of reaching the minimum marks required to compete in the upcoming Olympic Games in Paris 2024, or of accessing through their positions in the world ranking.
