Lourdes Medina: A Pioneer in Cuban Rhythmic Gymnastics

When discussing Cuban rhythmic gymnastics, one name inevitably surfaces: the graceful Lourdes Medina. Undoubtedly the most outstanding figure in the history of the sport in Cuba, she has been living in Miami, United States, for 18 years. So, what is the pan-American double champion currently up to?

"As you mentioned, I've been here for 18 years; I left Cuba in 2006. Nowadays, I work as a behavioral technician with children on the autism spectrum. My job involves restructuring or modifying behaviors that are not socially appropriate and instilling suitable ones. It's a beautiful job, and I love it. Like many Cubans, I've had to reinvent myself because rhythmic gymnastics is barely practiced here in Florida. There are very few clubs, and not even in Miami but in other cities with little competitive nature. American gymnasts are excellent, ranked worldwide, but they emerge and develop in other states. Since Florida lacks opportunities, I had to find stability in other occupations."

Rhythmic Gymnastics in Cuba: A Declining Legacy

What do you know about rhythmic gymnastics in Cuba? "Honestly, since I left, I've followed Cuban rhythmic gymnastics very little. I believe I'm somewhat out of touch, not by choice, because I love the sport and would like to be more informed. The issue is that there is little to no talk about rhythmic gymnastics in Cuba anymore. I know they've participated in Pan-American and Central American championships, where they've ended up at the bottom. Specifically, in the Central American event, Cuba finished second to last, and in the Pan-American, they weren't even mentioned. Countries that were far behind us during the golden era of this sport have become Pan-American champions and have surpassed Cuba, which hardly participates in international competitions anymore. I'd love to hear more about Cuban rhythmic gymnastics, but it's nearly non-existent now."

It's a shame that Cuban rhythmic gymnastics, which once reached international podiums, can't even compete at a Central Caribbean level anymore. Maintaining a sport in the international elite is challenging; I know it's tough to keep athletes in competitive shape to rank globally, continentally, or regionally, but they shouldn't fall as they have. It's even harder if athletes don't compete; it's a sport of judgment where, unless you're exceptional, judges don't score you if they don't know you. Cuban gymnasts don't attend any competitions!

A Glimpse into the Past: Lourdes Medina's Journey

Let's take a look back... What about the young gymnast? "I started rhythmic gymnastics at the age of eight at the 'Mariana Grajales' sports complex; I was there for only two months before moving to the National Gymnastics School. At 13, I joined the national team. I became a national champion several times. I had the privilege to participate in the debut of this sport at the Pan American Games in Indianapolis '87, where I wasn't the favorite, yet I became the champion."

Lourdes Medina wasn't the favorite; Thalía Fung was the leading figure of the team. However, the dark-skinned girl with bright eyes won over the judges and the northern audience, capturing five medals: three golds in all-around, hoop, and clubs, and two silvers in ribbon and rope. "It was a wonderful event in my life, despite not being the favored gymnast of the Cuban team. The preparation was uncertain; it was the first time rhythmic gymnastics was present at continental games. Perhaps because I wasn't under the pressure of being the favorite, I had the opportunity to compete relaxed."

As the competition progressed and I realized I could win a Pan American title, my expectations grew, and I could gauge how far I could go. It was an important achievement, not just personally but also for Cuban gymnastics. Imagine, I won the first title awarded in this sport... and it was mine! It was very exciting, and I enjoyed it immensely, creating a precedent for the 1991 Pan American Games in Santiago de Cuba, where the preparation was very tough."

The Challenges of International Competition

Beyond those two Pan American Games, rhythmic gymnastics was quite competitive in Europe back then. "Yes, it was crucial to achieve good results. Being seen, being known. I attended numerous international events, many tournaments across Europe: for instance, the Austrian Medical Cup, which I won once. I was fortunate enough to participate in three World Championships, where I qualified for the Olympic Games... for three Olympic Games! I could have competed in three Olympics. But unfortunately, I couldn't attend even one, and you know that's any athlete's ultimate dream!"

My country denied me that great opportunity: politics got in the way in Los Angeles '84 and Seoul '88, dashing the hopes of all Cuban athletes. But I persevered and qualified for Barcelona '92, yet Cuba didn't give me that chance either. Athletes in Barcelona had to be predicted to finish in the top six (nowadays, they take athletes even if they finish last due to the dwindling number of Cubans at quadrennial events). So, despite being a double Pan American champion and the top figure in my sport in Cuba during the '80s and '90s, I was denied participation! It was a cruel twist of fate because I qualified but couldn't attend. It's something I carry with regret, but the joy of being the first Cuban gymnast to attend and win a Pan American Games can't be taken away from me. It was a challenge, and I enjoyed it immensely."

Personal Life and Reflections

What about the coaches who impacted you the most? It's redundant because I know the answer, but who were those teachers? "Hahaha. You were with us for nearly 40 years, longer than I was in gymnastics. You know. In my athletic training, I was fortunate to have two coaches: the first, Rosa Banderas, whom I adore. I always carry her in my thoughts; she initiated me at the National Gymnastics School. I learned so much from her... such a dedicated and devoted person! From that initiation in the sport, I have the fondest memories. She instilled values in me that have marked me for life; her perseverance shaped me."

When I joined the national team (I always say I've been lucky with my two coaches), Xiomara Ameller trained me. I can't express the immense happiness of having Xiomara's support. She's someone I still admire and remember her words and her coaching legacy, which I've applied with my children and students in the short time I coached after retiring. Every word, gesture, and piece of advice I tried to convey to the girls. Her scientific approach to training was something I implemented. She was someone you could talk to about any topic. A coach not only guides an athlete pedagogically but also professionally and personally. Her teachings are something I carry with me."

And what about Lourdes Medina's family? "I've been married to my husband Orlando Rivera for 12 years; we met here in Miami. As you know, having met them when they were born, I have two children from a previous marriage. I call them children, but they're adults: Alex is 25 and Lulu is 27. She's been working for several years, having graduated from the University of Florida. Alex is a mechanical and aerospace engineer, also a graduate of a Florida university. They're very independent, and I'm incredibly proud of my children."

The rest of my family includes my sisters in Cuba and my father; I adore and think of them every day. My sister Luisa María Medina was the regular catcher for the national softball team for 23 years. She's been an example to me, and she had the opportunity to attend the Olympic Games in Sydney 2000. A dedicated athlete, she loved the sport, worked as a coach for the national team, collaborated in Italy, and achieved excellent results. My other sister lives in Pinar del Río. We're not a large family, but we're very close-knit and loving, unfortunately from a distance."

Current Engagement with the Sport

Do you still follow your sport globally? "I try to make time. Despite sometimes not finding the means to keep up with Cuban sports due to a lack of time and other responsibilities, besides the significant decline it has experienced in general, I try to follow major rhythmic gymnastics competitions. In my time, Soviets (Russians) and Bulgarians led the way, but now the range has expanded. The Russians Dina and Arina Averina, the Israeli Linoy Ashram, Belarusian Alina Harnasko, Bulgarian Boryana Kaleyn, and the Italians Milena Baldassarri and Alexandra Agiurgiuculese lead a list that also includes Ukrainians, Spaniards, and Portuguese... As you can see, our sport has broadened, showcasing its beauty and charm worldwide."

Is Lourdes Medina happy, do you have any dreams? "Yes, I have yearnings. I watch rhythmic gymnastics videos and reminisce. I would have loved to work longer as a coach in this sport, but since I've had to reinvent myself, I strive to find moments of happiness in this new phase of my life, where I'm doing new things, and yes, I am happy! I try to be happy with what I'm doing at all times; I'm always in pursuit of happiness."