Orta does not want to go back to 60

A lot of people would like to get back to the 1960s, the Wonderful Decade, those years where arts and politics shook the world, but Cuban Greco-Roman wrestler Luis Orta does not want to hear about number 60.

Of course, it is not about that time, but the category where he crowned as Olympic champion in Tokyo 2020.

In his words to CubaSi, he stated it was a decision he made since he won the gold medal in Japan.

“It is just a strategy not to compete in the 67 kg division in the World Championship, but I already knew I was not going to compete again in the 60 kg division. I always say that if you have the skill, you may well compete in any division.

“I am training hard in this new weight. I think it was a good start this year. I competed in two tournaments and I felt very good. I have to keep working to get in the best shape for the upcoming competitions and win a medal at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games."

—What are the pros and cons of competing in a whole new division for you?

—I continue to strengthen my fight weapons and it seems to me that I maintain my speed, although I felt opponents a little stronger. My coach and the rest of the staff told me that it was normal to gain weight. The goal is to get stronger, but not to lose what I already had before in order to obtain better results.

In size, I am somewhat below average. But I did not notice the difference, to be honest. I did notice the difference as the fights went by, I found opponents stronger. I believe I can reverse this situation by training every day.

—I suppose there is also an important strategy with food...

—Yes, together with the doctor and the medical triad we work with the proteins and supplements that Cuba promotes. The diet is a bit difficult for me, but we do our best to eat the healthiest way possible and what is necessary to increase body mass.

—This is a very busy year, with the Central American and Pan American Games and the World Cup qualifying for Paris. How are you training?

—We have the goal set there. That is why we made this first tour and we hope to set another one with training bases before the ALBA Games. We want the entire team to compete in this one, and hopefully it will be possible, because we know the economic effort it implies.

We need it. European wrestlers are the best and if we do not fight against them, we will not have an accurate perception on where we are. We know each other in the Pan American area. Wrestlers in the continent have increased the level, but they are not the best.

One thing is for sure, Orta will not get back to the 60 kg division.

Translated by Sergio A. Paneque Díaz / CubaSí Translation Staff