In a dramatic turn of events, Olympic champion and former national athletics commissioner of Cuba, Yipsi Moreno, has returned to competition, showcasing exceptional physical form by securing gold medals in both the hammer and discus throw at the Albania Cup.
“At the meet held on May 18th at the Elbasan Arena, Moreno debuted with the Tirane team, achieving victory in the women's hammer throw with a mark of 63.94 meters; her best sequence being: 63.94m/x x /61.55m/x/x/,” reported the DeporCuba website about the 43-year-old competitor.
The news outlet added that “her double title, as she also triumphed in the discus throw with a 29.50m mark, contributed to her team's championship win among women, scoring 139 points, surpassing Skënderbeu with 130 and Partizan with 72.5 points.”
The news came as a surprise to both insiders and outsiders of the discipline, as the three-time world hammer throw champion (Edmonton 2001, Paris 2003, and Helsinki 2005) had been away from the sport for nearly a decade. Her most recent involvement in athletics was as the chief of Cuban athletics.
Moreno held this position for several years (2018-2022), a tenure filled with controversies. Her departure left many questions unanswered due to conflicting statements from her and the National Institute of Sports, Physical Education, and Recreation (INDER).
The entity announced on its official site, JIT, "the release of Yipsi Moreno from her responsibilities as national athletics commissioner," citing the "personal will" of the former athlete. Meanwhile, the Beijing 2008 gold medalist and Athens 2004 silver medalist told CiberCuba in an exclusive interview that "I found out about my replacement on television."
During the interview, she clarified that she had requested to be relieved of her duties but was asked to remain in the role until the Central American Games to be held in El Salvador in 2023. "And then I find out about my replacement on television, unexpectedly, when they hadn’t accepted my release before. Can you believe that?" declared the woman known as the "Fury of Agramonte" to journalist Julia Osendi.
A member of the Council of State and a deputy to the National Assembly of People's Power before relocating to Europe, Moreno faced numerous criticisms for allegedly developing a network of privileges to favor athletes close to her while harassing others who eventually left athletics or emigrated, as reported by the newspaper 14ymedio.
Last April, the legendary hammer thrower had already indicated her presence in Europe with her family by posting several images on Facebook. It has also been revealed that the Albanian Athletics Federation expects her to soon join the national team, although her main reason for being in the region is for sports education.
Yipsi Moreno's Return to Athletics: Key Questions Answered
Yipsi Moreno's surprising comeback has sparked numerous questions. Here, we answer some of the most pressing inquiries about her return to the sport.
Why did Yipsi Moreno leave her position as national athletics commissioner?
Yipsi Moreno cited a personal decision for leaving her role as national athletics commissioner. However, there were conflicting reports from her and INDER regarding the circumstances of her departure.
What achievements did Yipsi Moreno recently accomplish?
Yipsi Moreno won gold medals in both the hammer and discus throw at the Albania Cup, contributing significantly to her team's overall victory.
What was Yipsi Moreno's role in the Cuban government?
Before moving to Europe, Yipsi Moreno was a member of the Council of State and a deputy to the National Assembly of People's Power in Cuba.