ONE might think that anyone investigating high jumpers would focus on the current World Champion Bohdan Bondarenko from the Ukraine.

But, no sir; the name which is mentioned first by most fans is Cuba’s long-retired Javier Sotomayor, whose phenomenal record of 2.45 meters has not lost any of its luster in 20 years. The same thing happens with legendary Ukrainian pole vaulter Serguey Bubka and the current French star Renaud Lavillenie.

Some impressive successes misguide us and led us to overlook the staying power and value of others. This digression serves as an introduction to the topic announced in the title of this article.

Hammer thrower Yipsi Moreno’s sixth place finish in the Moscow World Championships cannot be simply labeled as the timely departure of a great champion. The analysis depends on one’s point of view.

She did not win a gold medal in Moscow, or any medal at all, but nevertheless registered an unprecedented accomplishment for Cuban athletics on the international level, making her seventh appearance in World competitions over the last 14 years (1999-2013), among the eight held.

It is one thing to be recognized for your ability, but more so when you can display it consistently at crucial competitive moments. Examples abound of stars whose failures have been justified by a bevy of extenuating circumstances.

Yipsi never ‘faded’ at the moment of truth. It will be hard to forget her ritual of concentration and step by step review of her motions before entering the ring, or her resounding shouts which seemed to send the hammer flying.

She debuted in Seville 1999, finishing 18th at 18 years of age and going on to win three World Championships (2001-2003-2005), a silver medal in 2007 and, after dedicating 2009 to motherhood, returned to finish fourth in 2011.

Over almost 15 years of activity, she has face a variety of younger opponents and adapted to evolving training and throwing techniques. She made adjustments, but remained true to herself, alone against the world, praised for her stability and consistency.

Other hammer throwers have thrown for greater distances, but no one has a more distinguished international record in terms of medals and participation.

This evaluation is justified by a comparison of her contribution to Cuban athletics to that of other greats.

Only one other athlete has matched her seven appearances in World Championships, Iván Pedroso. There are only four others who have won four medals: Pedroso (4-0-0), Yipsi (3-1-0), Javier Sotomayor (2-2-0), Yargelis Savigne (2-1-1, in two events) and Yarelis Barrios (0-2-2).

In terms of points contributed to the country’s total, which allow for Cuba’s ranking as number 10 all time, no one comes close to her 39. Other important contributors include Pedroso and Savigne (32), Sotomayor (30), Osleidys Menéndez (29) and Ana Fidelia (28).

Yipsi has not only shown that she deeply loves her native Camagüey and Cuba, but is proud to reiterate this love and inspire others.

Her point total is a great testimony to her combativity, a legacy she leaves to future generations of Cuban athletes. Surpassing it will be difficult.