Cuban judoka Sheyla Hernández clinched the silver medal at the 2024 Paris Paralympics in the over 70 kilograms category. The 23-year-old from Holguín was defeated by Brazilian Rebeca de Souza, who avenged her previous loss to the Cuban in the final of the Parapan American Games in Santiago de Chile last year.
"We had faced each other four times before, each winning twice, and this time luck was on her side. It's important to accept that and enjoy the medal," Sheyla told the specialized magazine JIT. "Winning a Paralympic medal is extraordinary, but I came here to win gold and I'm not completely satisfied," she added.
Hernández lost the match in the final seconds as the South American managed to immobilize her and score a waza-ari. Earlier, she had defeated Australian Taylor Gosens and Chinese Hongyu Wang.
Strategic Moves and Previous Achievements
"Our strategy was to keep the opponents moving from the start, which worked except in the final where things didn't go as planned," Sheyla explained. Hernández, who was a runner-up at the 2022 IBSA Judo World Championships in Baku, Azerbaijan, has a severe visual impairment and is a member of the ANCI (National Association of the Blind in Cuba).
This is the third silver medal for Cuba at the Paris event, adding to the nation's tally of five golds and one bronze, placing the country in 25th position overall.
Frequently Asked Questions About Sheyla Hernández and the 2024 Paris Paralympics
Here are some commonly asked questions and answers about Sheyla Hernández's performance and the broader context of the 2024 Paris Paralympics.
Who is Sheyla Hernández?
Sheyla Hernández is a Cuban judoka from Holguín who competes in the over 70 kilograms category. She has a severe visual impairment and is a member of the ANCI.
What medals has Sheyla Hernández won?
Sheyla Hernández won a silver medal at the 2024 Paris Paralympics and was a runner-up at the 2022 IBSA Judo World Championships in Baku, Azerbaijan.
How did Sheyla Hernández perform at the 2024 Paris Paralympics?
Sheyla Hernández won the silver medal in the over 70 kilograms category, losing to Brazilian Rebeca de Souza in the final seconds. She had previously defeated Australian Taylor Gosens and Chinese Hongyu Wang.
What is Cuba's overall performance at the 2024 Paris Paralympics?
Cuba has won a total of five gold medals, three silver medals, and one bronze medal at the 2024 Paris Paralympics, placing the country in 25th position overall.