The First Hug

The First Hug
Fecha de publicación: 
30 August 2021
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When it comes to sports achievements, the first hugs are almost always for coaches, but in the Paralympic games this isn’t always the case, and in the case at hand, the target is a colleague who sweats next to the protagonist.

Of course I’m thinking right now of Yuniol Kindelán, the guide of our star Omara Durand, but the joy goes extensively to all those who carry out this beautiful work.

As in the case of Kindelán, most of the guides are athletes who did not reach the desired performances in conventional sport, and through this new modality they can taste the adrenaline of a world or Olympic final.

Yuniol has confessed that the medals of the flag bearer of the Cuban delegation to Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games feels as his own, and he is right, since his accompaniment is essential, especially when this couple competes at night, as impaired sight it’s notably reduced for the five-time Paralympic medal winner.

All guides train alongside their companions, and of course, the more quality they have, as is the case of the girl from Santiago de Cuba, the more is required of them.

As a rule, they have to enter the finish line slightly behind their companion, but they can never miss their step, and in addition to running, encourage them and warn them if they have rivals nearby, etc.

I remember that when encouraging Omara, Yuniol is not as effusive as before, but surely this is due to the fact that she practically competes against herself and she already has enough experience to know by heart what she must do on the track.

However, their contribution is still essential, and for that reason nothing better than receiving that first hug when they cross the finish line in Tokyo, in any of the sports in which they will take part.

Let this be a small tribute not just to recognize him, but by extension to all those who play this role in Cuba and worldwide, and who well deserve that first hug.

Translated by Amilkal Labañino / CubaSí Translation Staff

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