"The important thing is that I love this people and the sport," Omara Durand told me in September 2021, when after eight consecutive years training for various events, the Cuban sprinting jewel crowned her successful career in Tokyo-2020, and was about to enjoy an active rest.
Her passion for her family made her want to make up for the long time away from her family to train and win -with wide advantages in the 100, 200 and 400 meters- in the Paralympic Games in the Japanese capital. This is the reason for the leave of absence that she has taken advantage of to her heart's content.
-Are you back on the track?
-I've had an active break for almost a year, and I'm looking forward to returning. I plan to return to training next September, with the same impetus, and I will give my best as always. I do exercises to maintain body weight and muscle tone, I also do aerobics.
-How have you been spending this time?
-I dedicate it essentially to my daughter Ericka. I accompany her in her mischief, I contribute, from close, to her education. I make an effort in her formation, and I count on the devoted help of my other family members. That strengthens me spiritually.
-Will you remain in the three distances and competition categories?
-That's what I think, although I lean for the 200m. In 2015, I started running with the guide Yuniol Kindelán, an excellent partner, when I moved from the T-13 category (weak visual) to the T-12 (profound visual weak), in which I intend to continue.
-Do you have permanent contact with your coaches?
-During all this period, I have worked with my trainer, who prepared a plan together with the physiotherapist, while the doctor prepared a series of classes that I followed to guarantee a safe return.
-What does the Cuban people mean to you?
-It is a brave and glorious giant. For them I strive, I compete with love. We Cubans are strong and that's how we will continue to fight.
Translated by ESTI
