Omara Durand is considered the face of Cuban Paralympic athletics after winning three Gold Medals at Rio 2016 and two at London 2012.
In Tokyo 2020 she has once again added to her legendary status by winning her sixth Gold Medal at the Games and beating her record of 10 years undefeated.
On this occasion Durand clocked in a blistering time of 52.58s and whilst that means she was unable to break her own world record set in Rio de Janeiro in September 2016 it was strong enough to secure Gold.
But today she will compete again and will have the chance to bring home more glory if she wins her seventh medal.
“I was very nervous before the competition but after finishing the race, I am very satisfied,” the 29-year-old Cuban athlete said.
“It’s very normal (to feel nervous) every time we compete. I am thinking about how to win and maintain a positive feeling.”
Durand’s Gold Medal was the second medal secured by Cuba at Tokyo 2020 after young athlete Robiel Sol won in the long jump T46.
Like many athletes, it has not been easy for Durand to get here. The global pandemic not only suspended the Games but also made it difficult for athletes to train to be in top form.
That in itself is a blow to any high-performance athlete but for Paralympic athletes it is an added problem.
Many of them were unable to train with their guides, who were key to their success.
Durand competes in the T12 category, which includes athletes with profound vision problems.
In order to compete, these athletes need a guide to go with them. The harmony between the two is, therefore, fundamental to be able to reach the podium.
But the Cuban athlete did not give up or give up and continued to train with whatever means at her disposal.
Now with that golden medal hung around her neck, Durand said: “My secret is sacrifice for training and good coaching. That is all.”
(Agencies)
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