Yumilka Ruiz Inducted into Hall of Fame

May 24, 2023

For Cuban Yumilka Ruiz, one of the legendary Morenas del Caribe, having been recently inducted into the International Volleyball Hall of Fame is a "greater commitment" that invites her to "keep working" to contribute her knowledge to the development of that sport.

The Camagüey native who has accumulated three Olympic medals (two of them gold at the Atlanta 1996 and Sydney 2000 Games), told Cubadebate that "it is wonderful to be part of the Hall of Fame. Not everyone can reach such a high recognition, which commits you more to the people. I feel grateful to be included and to represent our people".

Before Yumilka, Regla Torres achieved this distinction in 2001; Mireya Luis, in 2004; Magalys Carvajal, in 2011; Mirka Francia, in 2019, and Taimaris Agüero, in 2021.

In the coaching division, Eugenio George, distinguished as the best coach of women's volleyball in the 20th century, was inducted into the Hall in 2005.

Regarding the impact of her Hall of Fame induction, Ruiz commented that "we don't know the exact statistics, but I believe that only the United States has more athletes included in the Hall than Cuba. I think all the players who won an Olympic gold medal should be there.

"It is wonderful that a country as small as ours has six volleyball players and one coach in such a high position in world sports, located in the Hall of Fame of the United States. Imagine the joy and satisfaction for us".

Yumilka is currently pursuing her doctorate in Physical Culture Sciences at the Manuel Fajardo University of Sports.

The former 45-year-old player, who participated in four Olympic Games also won bronze in Athens 2004 and was captain of the Morenas del Caribe. She also won the title at the 1998 World Championship and others at regional and continental level.

The awards ceremony will be held on October 21, 2023 at the Hall's headquarters.

Yumilka must attend as long as the visa process by the United States Government proceeds normally.