The Cuban athlete Yasmani Copello Escobar (born in Havana, 1987) will represent Turkey in the men's 400-meter hurdles qualifying event, scheduled for Monday, August 5, at 10:05 am, during the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. A second chance will be available on August 6 at 12:00 pm. The semifinals are set for August 7 at 7:35 pm, and the final will take place on August 9 at 9:45 pm (European time).
At 37 years old, the Cuban-born, naturalized Turkish athlete in 2014, has faced numerous hurdles, both literal and figurative, throughout his career. Yasmani began his athletic journey at the age of 12, initially dabbling in boxing. His transition to track and field came thanks to a teacher who recognized his speed and encouraged him to switch sports. He started with the 110-meter hurdles before training under Omar Demístocle González Ortiz, a significant figure in his career who always believed Yasmani would become an Olympian.
During his teenage years, Yasmani encountered growth-related knee pain, but he experienced a growth spurt that alleviated these issues. At 19, he became the junior champion in the 400-meter hurdles in Cuba. However, due to internal policies on the island, he was unable to attend his first world championship. History repeated itself in 2006 when he joined the national team but was only allowed to stay for two months because he couldn't train with his usual coach. Despite winning silver at the 2008 Central American and Caribbean Games in Cali, Colombia, and gold in the 4x400 relay at the Ibero-American Athletics Championship in Iquique, Chile, his time with the Cuban national team was marred by high pressure and limited opportunities.
In 2010, at just 23 years old, Yasmani was dismissed from the national team due to budget cuts. He continued training independently, traveling from Havana Vieja to the Pedro Marrero Stadium in Playa, and even to Guanabo beach to run on the sand. Determined to prove his worth, he sought opportunities outside of Cuba.
Spanish and Turkish Chapters
In 2011, Yasmani began training in Spain with the Club Playas de Castellón. However, he faced stiff competition from a local athlete with similar times. Once again, budget cuts left him without support. A Bulgarian manager then suggested he join a club in Turkey, provided he competed in various events to score points. After impressing Turkish officials with his talent, he was offered Turkish citizenship that very night.
Yasmani's career took a positive turn in Turkey, especially after he started training with Italian coach Massimo Matrone. In 2015, he participated in numerous races to meet the qualifying time for the World Championships in Beijing. Despite initial struggles, he secured a qualifying time of 49.39 seconds, narrowly making the cut. Following this breakthrough, his performance improved significantly, clocking times of 48.92 and 48.64 seconds.
In 2016, Yasmani won the European Championship in the 400-meter hurdles in Amsterdam, a moment that brought him to tears as he reflected on his years of sacrifice. Later that year, he earned a bronze medal at the Rio Olympics. His success continued in 2017 when he won silver at the World Championships in London, finishing ahead of American athlete Kerron Clement, who had secured silver in Rio. This marked Turkey's first world championship medal.
Heading into the Paris 2024 Olympics, Yasmani boasts an impressive track record, having medaled at the Olympics, World Championships, and European Championships. His bronze in Rio came with a time of 47.92 seconds, while the world record for the event stands at 46.98 seconds.
Yasmani, who loves his mother's black beans and music, maintains a positive outlook and trains diligently. Standing tall at 1.91 meters, he often shares his enthusiasm on Instagram, referring to his 37 years as "36+1." Having already qualified for the Olympics, his next goal is to reach the final in Paris, where anything can happen.
Yasmani Copello's Journey to Paris 2024
In this section, we address common questions about Yasmani Copello's journey and his representation of Turkey in the Paris 2024 Olympics.
Why did Yasmani Copello switch nationalities from Cuba to Turkey?
Yasmani Copello switched nationalities due to limited opportunities and high pressure within the Cuban national team. Turkey offered him better support and resources to further his athletic career.
What are Yasmani Copello's major achievements in his athletic career?
Yasmani Copello has won a bronze medal at the 2016 Rio Olympics, a silver medal at the 2017 World Championships in London, and became the European champion in 2016. He has represented Turkey with distinction in multiple international events.