Yarisley Silva: "Fighting the new coronavirus is now the greatest Olympiad"

April 6, 2020

Among acrobatics, weights, her bicycle, isometric exercises and family, pole vaulter Yarisley Silva spends her hours. These days at home, something uncommon for the three-time Pan American champion, she reinvents her training routine: she exchanges the pole for a bar that she herself installed in her yard, to keep her legs up and her body in shape.

"I was taught that in the middle of the storm you have to be like eagles: fly higher and with more strength," says via Facebook the world champion from Beijing 2015. Through her words, she insists that "before talking about the postponement of the Tokyo Olympics, the first thing is to make clear her message of encouragement to fight the new coronavirus.

"In life there are good and bad moments. I have faced these positively, because one never knows what is going to happen and how things can suddenly change for you."

"I returned to Cuba on March 10, coming from Spain. I spent 15 days without going out, they checked me very well both at the Giraldo Córdova Cardín center and at home. Fortunately, I did not contract the virus.

"That's why I say that we have to keep going in the middle of the storm and fight for our dreams. We will surely get through this, thanks to the help of our doctors and the Cuban government. I wish a speedy recovery to all people suffering from COVID-19. Now fighting it is the greatest Olympics."

And Tokyo 2021?

"The postponement of the Tokyo Olympics has been tough. I didn't think in January 2020 that that would happen. I had had a good start to the season in indoor competitions. I started with bronze at the Lievin meeting with a jump of 4.73 m, and I was second at Clermont-Ferrand, with 4.74 m, only surpassed by American Sandra Morris.

"Now everything ends, even the indoor world championship was suspended, but I am clear that for people who love God, things happen for the good. So let's wait. Of course I maintain my intention to go to Tokyo 2021, even though I'll be 34 by then. Pole vaulting is a long-lasting sport, I will try to give my best. Touching the sky will be my goal," assured the Olympic runner-up from London 2012.

"The preparation starts from now, here in my house, located in the Havana municipality of Diez de Octubre. I do 20 or 25 minutes daily on the bicycle, exercises with weights, squats, clean, jerk, abdominals; I read a bit, I try to respect the work-rest relationship and I think a lot about what is to come."

Adapted to the great venues like the mythical Bird's Nest in China, also silenced now by the pandemic, "Yarita" takes advantage of these days to be with her loved ones, although she postpones hugs and maintains distances. She is confident that she will be able to do it again soon and who knows if for some sports news.