Cuban sprinter Shainer Reginfo has been ruled out of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games after sustaining an injury this past Saturday during his training session in Guadalajara, Spain. Reginfo, who holds the national record for the 100 meters with a time of 9.90 seconds, had to receive medical attention for a fracture at the base of the fifth metatarsal in his right ankle.
"He was covering a morning strength training session at the gym when he stepped down from the bench, causing an inversion injury to his ankle. He was attended to immediately and is following the prescribed recommendations," explained a statement from the National Institute of Sports, Physical Education, and Recreation (INDER).
According to the publication in JIT, the island nation loses a runner who had generated high expectations among athletics fans, thanks to an unprecedented mark for a Cuban sprinter. In Salamanca, also in Spain, the native of the special municipality Isla de la Juventud surprised many with his remarkable performance, clocking in at 9.90 seconds during an event where his teammate, Reinaldo Espinosa, also qualified for the Olympics with a time of 9.96 seconds.
With the multi-decorated wrestler Mijaín López as their flag bearer, Cuba aims to win five gold medals at the upcoming Olympic Games and finish among the top 25 nations in the final standings. Three years ago, during the Tokyo 2020 program, the largest of the Antilles concluded in the 14th position, securing seven gold medals, three silver, and five bronze.
Impact of Shainer Reginfo's Injury on Cuban Athletics
The withdrawal of Shainer Reginfo from the Paris 2024 Olympics has raised several questions among fans and experts. Here we answer some common queries related to this incident and its implications for Cuban athletics.
What caused Shainer Reginfo's injury?
Shainer Reginfo's injury was caused by an inversion of his right ankle while stepping down from a bench during a morning strength training session at the gym.
How significant is the loss of Shainer Reginfo for Cuba's Olympic team?
Reginfo's absence is a significant blow to Cuba's Olympic team, as he was a record-setting sprinter who had generated high expectations among fans and experts alike.
Who else has qualified for the Olympics from the Cuban sprinting team?
Reinaldo Espinosa, one of Shainer Reginfo's teammates, has also qualified for the Olympics with a time of 9.96 seconds.