All members of wrestling teams training in the provinces of Sancti Spíritus, Ciego de Ávila and Camagüey were administered PCR tests and found to be free of SARS-COV2, according to Cuba’s national commissioner for the sport, Luis de la Portilla, speaking with Granma. This includes all Greco-Roman wrestlers from Camagüey, the Sancti Spíritus freestyle team, and women from Ciego de Ávila.
He reported that all coaches and medical staff working with each group tested negative, as well.
Necessary sanitary measures have been taken to avoid contagion at training camp facilities, in particular the multipurpose rooms where the wrestlers practice. Along with the athletes who have already qualified for the Tokyo Olympics, those who aspire to win a ticket to the next World Championship in December are training here, as well, the director said.
Julio Mendieta, Sancti Spíritus head coach, with more than 25 years of experience, reported, "We have had a great reception here, with all the conditions in place, which we are appreciate very much, since with the situation of the coronavirus in Havana, we could not train. We were continuing general preparation, with the athletes having the least physical contact possible, taking care that they were following our guidelines at home, but this is not the same as fighting on the mat".
The coach added that they have emphasized to the athletes that they must be focused on an Olympic ticket. "We are striving to improve the technical-tactical aspect to build strength. We have videos to study opponents, looking to be better prepared for the World Championship, where they can qualify for Tokyo, which will be held without the athletes already qualified," he explained.
