Idalis Ortiz won her third Central American crown

July 4, 2023

For Cuban judoka Idalis Ortiz, in the over 78 kilogram division, the XXIV Central American and Caribbean Games represent the opportunity to achieve her third gold medal in this type of competition.

I have prepared very well, regardless of some obstacles along the way that I have been able to overcome thanks to psychological strength and the work of our coaches, the support of my family and friends to move forward, since the idea remains: to achieve the maximum result in this event, said one of the flag bearers of the Cuban delegation to the regional multisport event.

Ortiz recovered from an injury suffered on February 18 at the Grand Slam in Tel Aviv, which prevented her from competing on the tatami at the world championship in Doha, Qatar, in the month of May.

I felt very bad about not having competed on that occasion, but I have already overcome it, I am now focused on new goals; at some point I believed it could be my last world championship or be in another one to do what I couldn't do in this one, the owner of Olympic medals of all colors and a multi-medalist of the world assured the press.

At the University of El Salvador coliseum, Idalys has been seen these days supporting her teammates, a common practice among Cuban athletes and one that has greater significance when it comes to figures with experience.

It's my responsibility, for being one of the most veteran athletes, the captain of the women's team and being together day after day training and sharing; if we don't do it among ourselves, as a group and as a country, who will do it, Ortiz stated, ready to compete this Monday in San Salvador.

This is today the most important competition for us, in preparation for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, in order to develop ourselves, since it is not within our possibilities to remain all the time in large training concentrations, like other countries, she explained.

Here we compete for a spot by nations, which we have always had in the area, and that's why we want to contribute to Cuba maintaining it, said the 33-year-old athlete.

Cuba is advancing in judo with a haul of four gold medals, two silvers and the same number of bronzes, as well as a fifth place finish.