VARADERO.— High jumper Javier Sotomayor, the world’s record holder in this event, reiterated that Ukrainian Bohdan Bondarenko and, above all, Qatar's Mutaz Essa Barshim are the most likely candidates to beat his two-meter and 45-centimeter mark, although he does not rule out the possibility that a stranger may surprise everyone any day now.
It has happened before, athletes who have made a great jump at a certain moment, but never again repeated the achievement during their careers, commented Sotomayor during an unexpected meeting with the press in the lobby of the Bella Costa Hotel, in this Matanzas beach resort.
The renowned athlete celebrated the 27th anniversary of the world record set July 27, 1993, in the Spanish city of Salamanca, along with family and friends in his home province.
Sotomayor said he was very proud of the accomplishment and will continue to enjoy it every year and every day, while admitting that, at some point, someone will surely beat his record, although it is difficult to predict when this will happen, he added.
He said that Barshim will find it increasingly difficult, because in sports, the age factor cannot be ignored.
Sotomayor, designated to lead organization of the third edition of the Varadero Half Marathon, acknowledged that he was undoubtedly blessed by luck in Salamanca, where he made two of his best jumps ever, noting that he was not really sure why, since he didn’t think they have the greatest stadium or track.
Accompanied by Sydney 2000 Olympic champion Anier Garcia, Limonar's illustrious son praised the progress of Santiago jumper Luis Enrique Zayas, who was in very good shape before the arrival of the epidemic, he said.
Sotomayor spoke highly of the hotel’s service and strict compliance with health protocols, something that is applauded and appreciated by Cuban tourists staying at the hotel, he noted.
“This is a good sign,” he said, “that, in addition to other attributes, our tourism is safe.”
