Yulenmis Aguilar, a talented athlete born in Bayamo in 1996, has emerged as Spain's new hope in the javelin throw. In April 2024, the Spanish Government, led by Pedro Sánchez, granted her nationality, allowing her to compete in the Paris Olympics. Her journey has been anything but easy, plagued by a recurring shoulder injury due to a genetic issue and a lack of support from Cuban coaches.
Aguilar does not feel the pressure to win a medal in Paris, understanding that her recent injuries may impact her performance. She recognizes that many other athletes have also worked tirelessly for a spot on the podium. However, she is motivated to win under the Spanish flag, a country that gave her opportunities denied to her in Cuba. For Aguilar, second chances are more valuable than the first.
We will find out if she is ready to reach the podium starting August 7, at 10:25 AM, when the qualifications for the Paris final take place. The following day marks her 29th birthday. After competing in the European Championships in Rome, Aguilar will live her Olympic dream in Paris. Earlier this July, she became the Spanish national champion with a throw of 59.85 meters. Yet, her friends remind her, "Yul, nothing is ever enough for you." She continues to strive for more.
Aguilar has been practicing athletics since she was 11 years old in Cuba. However, it wasn't until she was 13 that she picked up a javelin. Her coaches quickly noticed her powerful arm, and she fell in love with the sport. Now, at 28, she is set to represent Spain in the Olympics.
Overcoming Obstacles
In 2015, Aguilar faced enormous challenges. At 18, she competed in the World Athletics Championships in Beijing but found the year to be extremely "complicated." Despite breaking a world record, she struggled with a shoulder injury. Reflecting back, she realizes she wasn't ready for such a significant event.
The following year, she participated in the Olympics at 19, despite dealing with a fractured ankle sustained during training in Mexico. In 2018, she competed in the Central American and Caribbean Games, winning bronze. However, Cuban team officials decided not to include her in the next season, citing insufficient performance.
At 21, it was tough for Aguilar to see her Olympic dream slipping away. She anticipated a career lasting another decade or more but suddenly found herself with nothing. In Cuba, her athletic future was declared over, a devastating blow both professionally and personally.
To make a living, Aguilar started working at a private gym in Bayamo and completed her studies. She resolved to move forward with her life. Everything changed in 2019 when she learned about a coach in Galicia who could help her return to athletics. Spain offered her a contract for April 2020, but the COVID-19 pandemic delayed her move until December.
The Road to Recovery
Recovering was challenging as Aguilar arrived in Spain overweight. She began working at a club with young children, her first job in Spain. During this time, she connected with her coach, who took her in, fed her, and rekindled her passion for the sport. She refers to him as a "father" who never let her fall, and this relationship laid the foundation for her athletic success.
In April, Aguilar had a mark of 63.90 meters, understanding that it wouldn't make her the world's best but sending a clear message: "I won't sit at home. I'll keep working." Unfortunately, another injury followed.
Typically, Aguilar trains five hours a day: two in the morning and three in the afternoon. She wishes she could train more, but her coaches limit her. Physically and mentally, she felt "very good" in April. Only someone who has lost everything, regained it, and reached an Olympic level can understand the immense boost to her self-esteem.
Aguilar aims to enjoy the competition without imposing the pressure of winning a medal. Despite this, Spanish sports analysts consider her a strong contender if she fully recovers. "The cards are dealt; now we wait to see how the game ends and hope my dream doesn't crumble," she said before qualifying for Paris.
Yulenmis Aguilar's Journey to Paris 2024
As Yulenmis Aguilar prepares for the Paris 2024 Olympics, many questions arise about her journey and future prospects. Here are some frequently asked questions and their answers:
What challenges has Yulenmis Aguilar faced in her athletic career?
Yulenmis Aguilar has faced numerous challenges, including recurring shoulder injuries, a lack of support from Cuban coaches, and difficulties in securing her athletic future in Cuba. Despite these setbacks, she has persevered and is now representing Spain in the Paris 2024 Olympics.
How did Yulenmis Aguilar become eligible to compete for Spain?
In April 2024, the Spanish Government granted Yulenmis Aguilar nationality, allowing her to compete for Spain in the Paris Olympics. This opportunity came after she connected with a coach in Galicia who helped her get back into competitive athletics.
What are Yulenmis Aguilar's prospects for the Paris 2024 Olympics?
While Yulenmis Aguilar does not impose the obligation of winning a medal on herself, Spanish sports analysts consider her a strong contender if she fully recovers from her injuries. Her recent performances and mental resilience make her a hopeful candidate for the podium.