Omara Durand ratifies her retirement: "I want to do other things in my life."

The phenomenal Cuban runner Omara Durand does not plan to change her mind, and the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games will bring down the curtain on her magnificent sporting career in the world of para-athletics.

Durand, from category T12 (visually impaired with a visual field less than 5 degrees) and eight-time Paralympic champion, has several arguments to support her decision, although there is one extremely powerful: "I want to do other things in my life."

In an interview granted to the pro-government digital platform Cubadebate, the triple universal record holder (100, 200, and 400 meters flat) added: "I have ailments that I have to deal with every day. I have been away from my family for quite some time. My daughter, Érica, is already in preadolescence and I believe it is time to accompany her, for her to see the maternal figure by her side."

In the same way, with 32 springs in his life calendar, he stated that he has been operating at the highest level for many years, which "has brought physical consequences," although he also wishes to "study a little more, improve myself."

However, he made it clear that he "will never fully distance myself from sports. Wherever Paralympic sports are, they will always have my support. And, above all, the athletes."

Regarding the preparation for the multi-sport competition scheduled from August 28th to September 8th, it was stated that it will include seven races: two in the 400 meters, three in the 100 meters, and two in the 200 meters, in that specific order.

Together with his guide Yunior Kindelán and coach Miriam Ferrer, he said, "Preparation is going well up to this moment. We are focused on the final details, especially on the technical aspects of the races. We are training hard to arrive in optimal physical condition and give the best possible performance in the competition."

For most analysts, the one born in the province of Santiago de Cuba is the greatest exponent of para-athletics in history. It is enough to say that she has won 14 titles in world competitions and the aforementioned leaderships at the Olympic level, not to mention dozens of victories in continental events and Grand Prix.

In fact, she will be the flag bearer of the Cuban delegation on French soil, accompanied by the also Paralympic and world champion in long jump Robiel Yankiel Sol (T46), another strong contender for the gold on French land.