• Submitted by: admin
• Sports
• 10 / 19 / 2006

To speak of judo in Cuba has become something very common, just a few people stop to think about the breaking of the Asian tradition that was represented half a century ago. The most recent triumphs of Yanet Bermoy (48 kg) and Ónix Cortés (63 kg) in the XIII Juvenile World Championship support the quality of our judo school -second place by countries -, although many may wonder astonished: Who are those girls?

Back to their country and before taking the deserved, although short rest, we talked to both girls. Bermoy, from Cienfuegos, naughty, smiling, and eager to answer back any question with easiness. Onyx, slow, serious, and committed with a future that looms immense.

IPPONS WITH BERMOY

The juvenile gold after being world champion of adults?

"For my age -turned 19 years last May - I could attend this juvenile world contest after I participated in the adult category, in Cairo 2005, where I won the most important gold medal of my life so far. I should have gone to the previous juvenile event in year 2004, but it was decided that Cuba shouldnt attend.

"This gold medal is also great, especially for the vow I had with myself, with the coaches and with my family. We spoke about it before departing for the Dominican Republic, therefore I couldnt have done less than fight for it. In fact, the strongest opponent was the Chinese (Shugen Wu) in the final match, which was decided in extra time."

WITHOUT FORGETING CORTÉS

Onyx, were you under stress for that important international result?

"I had been champion of the National School Games several times, but in the international arena I had only be in one World Cup in England this year, where I had a poor performance and I lost in the first fight. I have participated in some training bases together with the adult team and I felt I was ready to fight for the gold in the Juvenile World Cup. Id say I was under pressure, but also ready."

Source: CubaSi