Cuban rower Reidy Cardona has advanced to the quarterfinals in the opening day of the Paris Olympics. Competing in the men's single sculls, open weight category, Cardona clocked a time of 7:06.45 minutes, securing the third position in heat 5, which granted three direct spots to the quarterfinals.
The Havana native was outpaced by Germany's Oliver Zeidler, who dominated the entire race, winning with a time of 6:54.52, followed closely by Uruguay's Bruno Cetraro, who finished with 7:04.04. Cardona maintained his third-place position throughout the event with "a very intelligent performance," as reported by the specialized portal Swing Completo.
"He covered the first 500 meters in 1:42.57 and completed the first half in 3:32.07. Cardona managed to maintain his pace throughout the 1500 meters, concluding with 5:20.45. Ultimately, he secured the third spot without much difficulty, finishing with a final time of 7:06.45," the publication detailed.
These are the first Olympics for the 28-year-old Cardona. He earned his spot on March 17 at the continental pre-Olympic rowing tournament in Rio de Janeiro, where he snagged the last of the five available tickets with a time of 7:42.77.
Meanwhile, another Cuban athlete competed this Saturday at the Vaires-Sur-Marne Nautical Stadium in the same event as Cardona. Yariulvis Cobas, unlike her compatriot, did not qualify, finishing fifth in heat 3 with a time of 8:13.11 minutes. The Guantanamo native, who previously competed in the 2012 London Games, ended last in her qualifying heat and will have to go to the repechage on Sunday, July 28, for her final chance to make it to the quarters.
Key Details on Cuban Rower Reidy Cardona's Performance
Here are some frequently asked questions regarding Reidy Cardona's performance and the overall rowing events at the Paris Olympics.
How did Reidy Cardona qualify for the Paris Olympics?
Reidy Cardona qualified for the Paris Olympics on March 17 at the continental pre-Olympic rowing tournament in Rio de Janeiro, securing the last of the five available tickets with a time of 7:42.77.
What was Reidy Cardona's final time in his heat?
Reidy Cardona finished his heat with a final time of 7:06.45 minutes, securing third place and a spot in the quarterfinals.
Who were the top competitors in Reidy Cardona's heat?
The top competitors in Reidy Cardona's heat were Germany's Oliver Zeidler, who won with a time of 6:54.52, and Uruguay's Bruno Cetraro, who finished second with 7:04.04.
What is the next step for Yariulvis Cobas after failing to qualify directly?
Yariulvis Cobas will compete in the repechage on Sunday, July 28, which is her final opportunity to qualify for the quarterfinals.