Dayron Robles
retires
DAYRON Robles, Olympic champion in
the 110-meter hurdles, is no longer a member of the
Cuban athletics team, at his own request, according
to Juventud Rebelde.
The new commissioner of athletics in
Cuba, Jorge Luís Sánchez Jiménez, received the
confirmation and verified the news, which was
already circulating on the street and in some
foreign media as speculation.
The athlete does not want to
continue competing. Leaders attempted to dissuade
him, but at this time, Sánchez Jiménez confirmed,
Robles is off the team.
After his performance in the London
Summer Olympics, Robles said he was very worried and
unhappy with himself, given the series of injuries
he had suffered since 2009.
No doubt this is a significant loss
for Cuban sports – the loss of a great who for a
long time – and for all time – has contributed to
the glory of Cuba, something which neither his
detractors or supporters should forget.
Juventud Rebelde adds that the
news is not all gloomy for Cuban athletics, which
has recently failed to bring home the titles it has
historically won for the country. The new
commissioner, who assumed the position on December
7, 2012, reported as his principal objective
returning Cuban athletics to its victorious
tradition and maintaining its elite status on the
continent and worldwide.
Jiménez reported that the National
Commission is being reorganized; the application of
scientific knowledge and technique strengthened to
improve performance; coaching methods at all level
perfected and the focus of work clearly established,
with an emphasis on identifying and recruiting
talented youth. (From CubaDebate)
