Two-time world champion and Olympic medalist Rafael Alba was honored as the Best Male Kyorugui Athlete at the annual Pan American Taekwondo Union (Patu) gala, held in Querétaro, Mexico.

"It’s a great honor to receive this distinction," said the Cuban giant from Mexico to JIT magazine. Alba, one of the American taekwondo stars with three participations in the Olympic Games 2016, 2020 and 2024, and bronze medals in Tokyo 2020 and Paris 2024 in the +80 kg category. In addition, he is a two-time world champion (2013 and 2019).

Alba shared the recognition with the Brazilian Edival Ponte, also a bronze winner in the -68 kg category at the Oplympic Games of Paris.

In the women's category, the distinction went to the Canadian Skylar Park (-57 kg) and the American Kristina Teachout (-67 kg), both bronze medalists in the French capital.

The Cuban Taekwondo Federation was also awarded the prize for Sports Excellence. "This recognition commits us to increase the effectiveness of our work to remain at the elite of world sport," said Iván Fernández Quirós, president of the entity.

The coach of the Cuban women's team, Arlen González, attended the gala with Alba and Fernández, which was preceded by a clinic, where they shared knowledge with other American exponents of the martial art.

The gala, chaired by Juan Manuel López, president of Patu, celebrated the exceptional achievements of federations, athletes, referees and coaches in different categories, highlighting the spirit and excellence of this sport on the continent. "This year, in Querétaro, we are excited to share an unforgettable night. Each award represents the effort and commitment of all our members," said López.

The recognition of Cuba sums up a successful year, recently crowned with the bronze medal of Juana Irene González from Granma in the 60 kg division at the VI Pan American Deaf Canoe Games 2024, in Brazil.

Translated by Amilkal Labañino / CubaSi Translation Staff