Surprise in the 100 meters!: Yunisleydis García triumphs in America

November 1, 2023

Yunisleydis de la Caridad García pulled off one of the biggest surprises for Cuba at these Pan American Games and won the final of the women's 100-meter dash, a result that establishes her in a year where she also reached the top of the podium at the Central American and Caribbean Games.

The Cuban was not favored in the event, but she demonstrated excellent form and with a time of 11.36 s brought Cuba to a continental peak that the Island had not enjoyed since the Havana 1991 edition.

Among her strengths: having the third best start among the eight contenders for medals, but also constant drive throughout the race that carried her to the finish line with a solid lead over the rest of her rivals.

Behind her came Guyanese Jasmine Abrams (11.52 s), while the star of the event, Trinidad's Michelle-Lee Ahye, finished third with a time of 11.53 s.

For Yunisleydis, and in general for Cuban athletics, this victory has the highest significance. For her, because it caps off a year in which, in addition to the Central American and Caribbean title, she also broke the national record and set it at 11.08 s. Likewise, it holds another transcendental value: the triumph of courage over adversity, of the spirit of a woman who was on the verge of leaving athletics.

Meanwhile, for the sport it means the consolidation of a long-awaited rebirth of women's sprinting.

Yunisleydis García: I concentrated like never before and didn't look to the sides.

Villa Clara native Yunisleidi García recounts while undergoing the doping test that tonight she didn't expect to be a gold medalist, but she did expect to be among the top three "because I have trained for that.

"Besides, given the conditions I found myself in during the semifinal, I knew I could win a medal. I didn't underestimate my rivals either, because anyone could win, but I arrived with the mindset that I had to give it everything," she assured.

Her race strategy was the same as in previous events. "I always try to get off to a fast start, nothing more than when I hear the gun. The start is difficult for me, just like the finish, but I've already improved," she says in the soft tone of voice that distinguishes her.

García concentrated like never before and didn't look to the sides. "I knew that if I lost focus, I would lose, so I ran the whole time with my eyes forward".

Regarding the time of 11.36 seconds, she acknowledges it could have been better. "I know I was in a position to improve this mark, but today it wasn't possible. However, there are other competitions to come".

García had previously won a bronze medal in the 100-meter dash at the Central American Games San Salvador 2023, also with 11.36 s, as well as a silver in 200 m and gold in the 4x100 relay.

"Super happy with this year in which I had good performances at the ALBA Games, Central American Games, achieved a national record (11.08 m) and now this gold at the Pan American Games. It's been a long time since a Cuban woman has made the podium and even less to win gold".

The 24-year-old still has the 200-meter dash ahead at Santiago 2023. "It's not my favorite event, but I'll go 'to give it my all' as we Cubans say. Expect the best from me".