Yoe Tejeda

Given the reduced number of athletes in the country’s delegation to the Second Youth Olympic Games in Nanjing, China, (12 in seven six sporting disciplines), Cuba registered only one mark on the country medal chart - at the close of this edition - thanks to a bronze medal won by Iván Felipe Silva (81 kg) in the judo competition.

The promising Silva won his match against Louvro Kovac, from Croatia, defeating his opponent by one full point (ippon); then lost to Frank de Witt from Holland by half a point (wazari), to later win rematches against Ari Egutizde, from Portugal and Austrian Marko Bubanja. Then, with the medal within reach, Silva defeated Nemnja Majdov, from Serbia by half a point, to take third place on the podium, occupied by Russian Mikhail Igolnikov and Georgian Tamazi Kirakozashvili, gold and silver medal winners respectively.

Judo fighter Iván Silva (far right) showed his abilities on the mat.

Pre-competition forecasts identified Cuba’s best chances in boxing and, in fact, these predictions been borne out thus far, with three fighters reaching the finals in their divisions and have a good chance of winning Olympic gold at this level.

Having placed first in the Youth World Boxing Championship, fighters Javier Ibáñez (56 kg) and Yordan Hernández (91) only have Bulgarian Dushko Mihaylov and Croatian Toni Filipi - respectively - in their way on the path toward the title. Adrián Limonta (60), will face Ablaikhan Zhussupov, from Kazakhstan in his fight for the gold.

It is also important to recognize the sixth place finish achieved by rower Orlando Sotolongo in the final of the individual sculls, worthy of an Olympic Certificate for participation in the final.

The Venezuelan Minister of Sports, Antonio Álvarez, highlighted the country’s performance in the Youth Olympic Games, Nanjing 2014; having won five medals and 10 certificates thus far, according to Prensa Latina.

Álvarez stated that the national team has already surpassed the results of the last Games, in Singapore 2010, thanks to the efforts of those he calls the "Golden Generation," emphasizing the historic results of swimmer Carlos Claverie, who won medals in the 50, 100 and 200 meters breaststroke (two silver and one bronze respectively).