The Cuban sprinter from Villa Clara, Yunisleidys García, failed to advance to the next round of the 100 meters at the Paris 2024 Olympics. García recorded a time of 11.37 seconds, finishing fifth in heat 2. This outcome contrasts sharply with her performance in 2023, when she was crowned Pan American champion in the 100 meters at the games held in Santiago, Chile.
Additionally, six other Cuban track and field athletes are competing this Friday in Paris. The main attraction for Cuba will be in the triple jump, where Leyanis Pérez, a double world medalist in triple jump and ranked second in the world this season with a jump of 14.96 meters, makes her Olympic debut. Pérez has also won three stops of the Diamond League in Eugene, Stockholm, and Monaco.
Yunisleidys, 24, returned to the elite of continental sprinting at the XIX Pan American Games, winning the gold medal on the track of the National Stadium of Chile. This victory ended a 32-year drought since Liliana Allen won the last gold medal in this discipline in 1991. The sprinter from Villa Clara broke a national record standing for over 30 years. She is poised to become the first Cuban woman to run the 100 meters in under 11 seconds, but that feat alone is not enough to secure a medal in Paris.
The overall performance of the Cuban delegation at Paris 2024 has been disappointing. Several athletes are leaving without medals and failing to meet the expectations set for these Olympic Games. The challenges facing Cuban sports are evident: lack of resources, limited development, and restricted international competition. These factors have significantly affected the quality and performance of the athletes, who once brought glory to the island's sports scene.
Challenges Facing Cuban Athletes at Paris 2024
In light of the disappointing performance of the Cuban delegation at Paris 2024, here are some frequently asked questions addressing the challenges Cuban athletes are facing.
What was Yunisleidys García's time in the 100 meters at Paris 2024?
Yunisleidys García recorded a time of 11.37 seconds in the 100 meters at the Paris 2024 Olympics, finishing fifth in her heat.
Who is Leyanis Pérez and what are her achievements?
Leyanis Pérez is a Cuban triple jumper who is a double world medalist and ranked second in the world this season with a jump of 14.96 meters. She has won three stops of the Diamond League in Eugene, Stockholm, and Monaco.
What challenges are Cuban athletes facing?
Cuban athletes are facing several challenges, including lack of resources, limited development, and restricted international competition. These issues have significantly impacted their performance and overall quality.