Yarisleidis Cirilo won gold in the C1-200 meters at the World Canoe Cup in Hungary

May 12, 2023

Yarisleidis Cirilo won gold today in the C1-200 meters at the 2023 Szeged World Canoe Cup in Hungary.

It was the first title for the small Cuban delegation at the event, and a self-gift from the multi-champion for her 21st birthday on May 10th.

"I am very happy. I set out to do it and I achieved it. It is an early congratulations for Mother's Day to all Cuban women, especially to my mom Yaritza Duboy," said the multi-champion.

"I had the Canadian close to me, but with a little more effort the desired result came. I knew I also had to watch out for the Chinese athlete, who lost to the Spanish competitor. I am happy," she highlighted.

Cirilo clocked 45.99 seconds, followed by the Canadian Katie Vincent (46.10) and Spanish Antia Jacome (46.83).

The Olympic record in the event is held by American Nevin Harrison (44.938) and the world record by Laurence Lapointe (44.504).

The newly crowned champion had posted 48.17 seconds in today's semifinals, the best time of the three semifinal heats held.

Cuban Mailienys Ávila will compete in the final B, after completing her race in 50.57, thus fulfilling the prediction given by Caribbean coaches.

Also in the final A of the C1-1000 will be the Baracoan José Ramón Pelier, but this Saturday, after posting 4:01.21 minutes in the semifinals.

Kayaker Yurieni Guerra will advance to final B in the K1-500, in which she finished in 2:00.37 minutes. Her teammate Robert Benítez posted 3:57.72 minutes in the K1-1000 and will compete in final E.

This Saturday, Olympic champion Serguey Torres and his teammate in the C2-500 m, Tabiani Diéguez, will make their debut. Torres will also compete in the C1-5000.