Speaking to Cuba’s most recent Greco-Roman wrestling World Champion - A man of very few words and strong character - was an impressive experience.
The face of Ismael Borrero (59 kg) with its perpetual smile, shows the signs of a young dreamer, accentuating his condition as an outstanding sporting figure, in pursuit of future goals.
Making the most of his stay in Santiago de Cuba, there to receive a distinction awarded by the Provincial Sports Directorate, JIT had the opportunity to speak with Borrero in the neighborhood which saw him grow as a person and an athlete.
How did you start out as a Greco-Roman wrestler?
In truth, I started out in weight lifting, inSantiago de Cuba’s multipurpose sports complex, but Professor Julio Rodríguez saw qualities in me as a wrestler and asked me to change disciplines.
Finally I opted for Greco-Roman wrestling and had the opportunity to work with Professor Humberto Suárez, who I am very grateful to, because with him I became municipal and provincial champion.
And at a national level?
In 2004, while at the School of Sports Initiation (EIDE), I won silver in the School Games, and gold the following year.
uring this period I remember my coachesJoaquín Ortiz and professor Alexis Camué, as these results saw me selected for the National Higher School of Athletic Improvement (ESPA) in 2006.
How did you deal with the change?
Living in Havana was difficult at first, above all the period of adaptation, but thanks to the support of my parents and family in general I remained firm and was able to progress. Also thanks to my trainers Linares, Almanza, Morgado and others who have always been concerned with my success.
In 2010 you debuted as national champion and were selected as one of the most outstanding athletes from Santiago de Cuba. How do you remember that moment?
It was an important step in my career, as it enabled me to join the national team the following year; looking to represent the country to the best of my ability, given that it is a unique opportunity.
Being in a large team enabled me to demonstrate my abilities, and in 2012 I emerged as the silver medalist from within its ranks, and national champion in 2013, always looking to better prepare myself for higher level competitions.
Tell us about Toronto 2015?
The Pan American Games was the most important competition of the year. Preparation went well, I felt confident and knew I could win, but sometimes things don’t go as expected.
After winning my first fight, things started to get difficult, and I think I made tactical errors. I had even beaten Spencer Mango of the U.S. previously, but that day I wasn’t able to. It was a hard moment for me, because I also left without a medal, when many had me down as a favorite.
However, the world championships in Las Vegas, the U.S., gave you another opportunity to face Mango in a fight you won 4-2. Did you see the bout as a rematch?
He was a stone in my shoe in Toronto, but I knew I could beat him and simply thought of him as the first step toward achieving the final result, because I would have even more difficult fights to come, against world and Olympic medalists, and finally I won all six bouts on the day.
Your technical superiority saw you win the final fight against Rovshan Bayramov from Azerbaijan, one of the most successful athletes in the division. How did you prepare for this fight?
Bayramov is a fighter of proven class, he is a double Olympic silver medalist and four-times world medalist, and it was clear that facing him would be no easy task, but my coaches prepared me both tactically and psychologically. Néstor Almanza, who was in my corner, gave my instructions which I tried to follow to the letter. I already had the silver in my pocket, but I wanted the gold.
How did you feel when you heard the notes of our National Anthem in the Orleans Arena?
It was an unforgettable moment, because it was my first major international achievement, not only did I defeat my rival; with the victory I also secured a spot at the Olympic Games next year. I have no words to describe that moment, because it was also the Cuban delegation’s only gold medal, something which I am very proud of.
What are your expectations for Río de Janeiro 2016?
I am preparing myself, training hard; winning the World Championships is the first step toward greater results. An athlete’s ultimate dream is to be an Olympic champion, which is also my dream. I want to represent my province, my country and raise the flag of Cuban sports over there.
