Cuban athlete Rose Mary Almanza achieved her goals at the Forbach Athletics Meet in France by crossing the finish line first in the 800 meters with a time of 1:58.89 minutes. This remarkable performance secured her spot among the qualifiers for the Paris 2024 Olympics.
With her fastest outdoor season time, the 31-year-old Almanza surpassed the minimum qualifying mark (1:59.30) set by World Athletics, raising the number of Cuban participants in the upcoming multi-sport event to 38. The competition saw the Camagüey native finish ahead of British runner Alexandra Bell (1:59.55), who took silver, and fellow Cuban Daily Cooper (1:59.93), who claimed third place and is still aiming to secure her spot in the French capital.
The event brought more good news for Cuban athletics as Roxana Gómez and Yoandys Lescay dominated the 400 meters in their categories, clocking 50.84 seconds and 46.33 seconds, respectively, both their best results of the season. Additionally, sprinter Shainer Rengifo finished second in the 100 meters with a time of 10.36 seconds, while compatriot Reynaldo Espinosa finished fifth at 10.58 seconds. The fastest man was Noa Bibi of Mauritius, who stopped the clock at 10.33 seconds.
These accomplishments came on the heels of Cuban triple jumper Leyanis Pérez's victory at the fifth stop of the Diamond League in Eugene, Oregon. Pérez, a silver medalist at the World Indoor Athletics Championships in Glasgow, Scotland, last March, reached 14.73 meters on her first attempt, defeating Thea Lafond (14.62, Dominica), the reigning world champion, and Shanieka Ricketts (14.55, Jamaica), who took second and third place, respectively.
With the multi-decorated wrestler Mijaín López as their flagbearer, Cuba aims to win five gold medals at the Paris 2024 Olympics and finish among the top 25 nations in the final medal standings. Three years ago, at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, the Caribbean nation finished 14th, with an impressive haul of seven golds, three silvers, and five bronzes. Four of those titles came from their flagship sport, boxing, with victories by Andy Cruz, Arlen López, Julio César La Cruz, and Roniel Iglesias.
Additional golds were won in Greco-Roman wrestling. Mijaín López made history as a four-time Olympic champion, while Luis Orta surprised many by capturing a title despite not being a top favorite. Lastly, Serguey Torres and Fernando Dayán Jorge celebrated their gold in sprint canoeing.
Key Questions about Cuba's Olympic Aspirations
Here are some frequently asked questions about Cuba's recent athletic achievements and their goals for the Paris 2024 Olympics.
Who is Rose Mary Almanza?
Rose Mary Almanza is a Cuban middle-distance runner who recently secured her spot in the Paris 2024 Olympics by winning the 800 meters at the Forbach Athletics Meet in France.
What other Cuban athletes performed well in Forbach?
In addition to Almanza, Roxana Gómez, Yoandys Lescay, and Shainer Rengifo delivered notable performances, with Gómez and Lescay winning their 400-meter events, and Rengifo finishing second in the 100 meters.
What are Cuba’s goals for the Paris 2024 Olympics?
Cuba aims to win five gold medals and finish among the top 25 nations in the final medal standings at the Paris 2024 Olympics.