Cuban track and field in San Salvador, virtues and flaws

If we take a look to the prediction for Cuban track and field to the 2023 San Salvador Central and Caribbean Games, it looked almost impossible to match the 15 gold medals achieved by the Cuban wrestling, the driving force of Cuba in this regional sports event.

However, chances were high as there were lots of medals at stake (Cuba would reach the total of 18 gold medals), so it was mathematically possible. It did not happen. But nonetheless, the athletes of the King of all Sports exceeded expectations and won a total of nine gold medals.

These predictions, which are made with any kind of jingoism, took into account the participation of several stars within this sport world like Puerto Rican hurdler Jazmín Camacho, Venezuela triple jumper Yulimar Rojas, or Trinitarian javelin thrower Keshorn Walcott, to name some.  

Interestingly, we just earned one less gold medal than the total achieved in Barranquilla 2018. But there, we just ended second place in this sport discipline. We topped the standing this time.

However, some performances are to be analyzed in the Salvadorian capital, as some athletes underperformed due to some concerning injuries.

For instance, long jumper Maykel Massó was injured before the competition. Since I watched him with one of his knees bandaged, and almost praying for one good jump, I already knew troubles were coming. The medical staff reported he was ready to compete, but perhaps an in-depth, latter review would have been necessary especially in a rainy night. The end of the story may be summed up as follows: Cuba has lost one of its few chances to get a medal in the upcoming World Athletics Championship to be held in Budapest, Hungary.

By the way, let’s praise the performance of young long jumper Alejandro Parada, who took over the leadership on behalf of his fellow countryman, the same went to heptathlete María Patterson, who won her gold medal in the last event.

Pole vault, hammer throw, decathlon, men 100m and 200m certainly underperformed. Much more was expected from our athletes, especially with the season best records they all boasted.

Some other disciplines were praiseworthy, such as women’s relays, both cases recorded record time for the event. The same did triple jumper Lázaro Martínez. But I like to point out the relevance of young athletes who guarantee a high sport level for the next Olympic cycle to the 2024 Paris Olympic Games.

Patterson herself is a nice example. She also got the bronze medal in the high jump. Others did not end in the top 3 but still managed to improve their personal best, which is great.

Translated by Sergio A. Paneque Díaz / CubaSí Translation Staff