Yariulvis Cobas, a Cuban rower who recently finished third in the E-final of the women's single sculls event, has departed from the island's delegation attending the Paris 2024 Olympics. The 33-year-old athlete left the Olympic village in recent hours, as confirmed by journalist Leonardo Ruiz from the sports portal Play-Off Magazine.
A few days ago, at the Vaires-Sur-Marne Nautical Stadium, Cobas won the first E/F semifinal with a time of 8:36.16 minutes, surpassing three competitors. However, in the E-final, she ended up 27th in the single scull event among 32 competitors.
Originally from the province of Guantánamo, Cobas boasts an impressive record, including two golds in the double sculls event at the Pan American Games in Guadalajara 2011 and Lima 2019. In Lima, she also secured a silver in the quadruple scull. At the Toronto 2015 Pan American Games, she earned a bronze in the double scull. Cobas has also won medals at the Central American and Caribbean Games and in World Cups.
This departure marks the first official withdrawal from the current Olympic event and the first reported defection of a Cuban athlete during the Olympics since Rolando Arrojo in 1996, as noted by sports journalist Francys Romero.
Key Questions on Yariulvis Cobas's Departure from Paris 2024
Below are some frequently asked questions about Yariulvis Cobas's unexpected departure from the Paris 2024 Olympics.
Why did Yariulvis Cobas leave the Paris 2024 Olympics?
The exact reasons for her departure have not been disclosed; however, it was confirmed by journalist Leonardo Ruiz from Play-Off Magazine.
What are Yariulvis Cobas's notable achievements in rowing?
Yariulvis Cobas has won gold medals in the double sculls event at the Pan American Games in Guadalajara 2011 and Lima 2019, a silver in the quadruple scull in Lima, and a bronze in the double scull in Toronto 2015.
When was the last reported defection of a Cuban athlete during the Olympics?
The last reported defection of a Cuban athlete during the Olympics was by Rolando Arrojo in 1996.