In the rain on September 4, the queen of the track won her eighth Paralympic gold medal in Tokyo, her third during these Games. Omara Durand is a name to match the feat, setting an impressive world record of 23.02 seconds in the 200 meters final, in addition to taking the title.
"Thanks to the unbeatable Omara Durand and her stellar guide Yuniol Kindelán for a joyful moment during the dawn hours," was the greeting she received on Twitter, along with a hug on behalf of the people of Cuba, from Party First Secretary and President of the Republic, Miguel Díaz-Canel Bermúdez, who spoke with the two via a video telephone call.
This was how she closed out her competitive calendar in Tokyo, undefeated in three races (the 400, 100 and 200 meters), although her work and the recognition she has received do not end with these Games. During the closing, to the pride of her island nation, the announcement was made that Omara had been elected as a member of the Paralympic Athletes Committee.
She is one of six athletes afforded this honor, resulting from a vote on 22 candidates, a record number for this process.
With this exciting news, moving an entire island, the flame was extinguished and the curtain fell on the memorable, historic Tokyo-2020 Paralympic Games, in which more than 4,400 elite athletes from some 160 nations participated.
China dominated the medal chart with a total of 207 (96 gold, 60 silver and 51 bronze); the United Kingdom was second with 124 (41-38-45); and the United States third with 104 medals (37-36-31).
Cuba finished in 35th place overall, with six medals: four gold, one silver and one bronze.
This is how Andrew Parsons, president of the International Paralympic Committee, summed up the thrilling days: "The Tokyo-2020 Paralympic Games have not only been historic, they have been fantastic. In 12 magical days, these athletes gave the world confidence, happiness and hope. The athletes broke records. The athletes warmed hearts. The athletes opened minds. The athletes changed lives.”
