The renowned actorJorge Perugorría congratulated the former high jumperJavier Sotomayor for his Legend of America award, which was awarded to him by the Pan American Sports Organization (Panam Sports) in December.
Perugorría was one of the guests at the tribute that the Cuban authorities gave to the Olympic and world champion at Bar 2.45 in Havana, which was attended by other sports personalities.
"They just gave you the Legend Award, but I want to tell you that many years ago you were already a legend for all Cubans and for all the people in the world who love athletics," said the interpreter of the remembered film.Strawberry and Chocolate.
"But above all you are a great example, a great example as an athlete, a great example as a Cuban and a great example as a friend. So on behalf of the friends we have in common, congratulations," he added.
Other glories already retired from Cuban sport such as the javelinist María Caridad Colón, the volleyball player Yumilka Ruiz, the hurdler Anier García and the triple jump specialist Yoelbi Quesada were present at the tribute to Sotomayor.
The so-called Prince of Heights, six-time world champion and Barcelona 1992 Olympic champion,received the Legend Award during the Panam Sports Awards 2023 ceremony, held on December 10 in the city of Miami, and where there were other winners in 11 categories.
The institution then noted that Sotomayor is the king of the high jump and that his legacy in athletics "is a testament to his exceptional talent and unbreakable spirit. A sports hero who has raised the bar for everyone!"
The Cuban won the distinction after a month of voting in which sports fans in America chose the best athletes in the region, Panam Sports said on its website.
The distinction came just the year that marked the 30th anniversary of the current world record, which "adds a special flavor," said the winner. HeJuly 27, 1993, he set his record of 2.45 meters in the high jump specialty in Salamanca, Spain.
Currently, Sotomayor serves as secretary of the Cuban Athletics Federation and also advises his son Jaxier, who last yearHe became champion of Spain in the under-16 category of that discipline, by breaking his personal marks and achieving a record of 1.91 meters.
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