When discussing Cuban rhythmic gymnastics, one name stands out, as there is no doubt that the graceful Lourdes Medina has been the greatest in the history of the sport in Cuba.
For the past 18 years, the capital native has been living in Miami, United States. What is the two-time Pan American champion doing now?
As you mentioned, I have been here for 18 years; I left Cuba in 2006. I currently work as a behavioral technician with children on the autism spectrum. My job involves restructuring or modifying inappropriate behaviors and helping them develop socially appropriate behaviors. It’s a very rewarding experience. I love this work, and like many Cubans, I have had to reinvent myself because rhythmic gymnastics is not practiced much, or at all, here in Florida.
There are very few clubs, not just here in Miami, but in other cities as well, and they have very little competitive character. American gymnasts are excellent and rank highly on a global level, but they emerge and develop in other states. In Florida, the sport is not practiced widely, which is why I had to reinvent myself and seek stability in other jobs.
What do you know about rhythmic gymnastics in Cuba?
Honestly, since I left there, I've followed Cuban rhythmic gymnastics very little; I think I'm a bit out of the loop, not by choice, because it's the sport I love and I would like to be more informed. The thing is, in Cuba, rhythmic gymnastics is hardly talked about anymore.
I know they have participated in Pan American and Central American championships, where they have finished very far behind, in the last positions. Specifically, in the Central American event, Cuba placed second to last, and in the Pan American Games, they weren't even mentioned. Countries that were far behind us during the golden age of this sport are now Pan American champions and are well above Cuba, where attendance at international competitions has nearly ceased. Honestly, I would like to hear more about Cuban rhythmic gymnastics, but I know that this sport is practically non-existent or not practiced in Cuba as it once was.
It is a shame that with the level that Cuban rhythmic gymnastics reached, it can now barely secure a top spot even in Central America. It is challenging for any sport to remain in the international elite; I understand it is difficult to maintain the performance required for athletes to achieve a level that ranks them globally, continentally, or regionally, but it is disheartening to see such a decline.
Even more difficult is if the athletes do not compete and gain experience. It is a sport based on judgment, where if the judges do not know you, unless you are exceptional, you won’t score points. You have to make yourself known in order to secure a place. And the Cuban athletes do not attend any competitions!
How many truths are revealed in Lourdes Medina's words! A sport like rhythmic gymnastics, in which Cuba once reached international podiums, is now unable to even compete at the Central Caribbean level.
Let's take a look back... What about the little gymnast?
I started practicing rhythmic gymnastics at the age of eight at the "Mariana Grajales" sports complex; I was there for only two months before moving on to the National School of Gymnastics. At 13, I joined the national team. I was a national champion several times. I had the privilege of participating in the debut of this sport at the Pan American Games, which took place in Indianapolis in 1987. I wasn't seen as a favorite, yet I ended up becoming the champion.
Lourdes Medina was not the favorite, as Thalía Fung was the star of the team. However, the dark-haired girl with bright eyes won over the judges and the northern audience, claiming five medals: three gold in all-around, hoop, and clubs, and two silver in ribbon and rope.
It was a wonderful event in my life, even though I was not the favorite gymnast of the Cuban team. The preparation was somewhat uncertain; keep in mind that it was the first time rhythmic gymnastics was included in the continental games, and perhaps because I didn’t carry the pressure of being the favorite, I had the opportunity to compete more relaxed.
As the competition progressed and I realized that I could win a Pan American title, my expectations grew, and I began to see how far I could go. For me, it was an important achievement, not only personally but also for Cuban gymnastics. Just imagine, I won the first title awarded in this sport... and it was mine!
It was very exciting; I enjoyed it a lot, and it set a precedent for the next Pan American Games in 1991, which were held in Santiago de Cuba. I remember that the preparation was very challenging.
We spent a month training in Santiago. I, of course, was four years older; I was practically a veteran in rhythmic gymnastics, a sport where girls start at a very young age and retire quickly due to its demanding nature. For me, it was a significant responsibility, a physical and emotional challenge.
It was about giving my best in front of the Cuban people, in this case, the people of Santiago, who were so wonderful and welcoming. I was the champion, so retaining the crown in my country, specifically in Santiago de Cuba, was extremely important. The audience supported me the entire time. I remember that my coach, Xiomara Ameller, had the brilliant idea to play an Eastern conga during one of my events, the club routine, and that was truly impactful.
The fans were applauding enthusiastically, standing up and cheering. It was a very important event at the peak of my sports career; I not only have fond memories but also the best moments from that performance.
In addition to those two Pan American Games, rhythmic gymnastics at that time competed significantly in Europe.
Yes, it was crucial to achieve good results. Being seen, being known. I attended international events, numerous tournaments in Europe: for example, the Austria Medical Cup, which I won on one occasion. I was extremely fortunate to participate in three World Championships, where I secured my qualification for the Olympic Games… for three Olympic Games! I could have competed in three Olympic Games. But unfortunately, I couldn't go to even one, and you know that is the ultimate dream of any athlete!
My country denied me that great opportunity: in Los Angeles '84 and Seoul '88, politics intervened, cutting short the hopes of all Cuban athletes. But I persevered and qualified for Barcelona '92, and once again, Cuba did not grant me that chance.
It turns out that in Barcelona, Cuban athletes were expected to finish among the top six positions (now, even if they finish last, they are still included due to the increasingly smaller number of Cubans at the quadrennial events).
So, I, a two-time Pan American champion, having qualified for three Olympic Games through my performances at the World Championships; I, the leading figure in my sport in Cuba during the 80s and 90s, I… was denied the opportunity to attend!
I say it was fate because I qualified, but I couldn't attend. It's something I carry with a lot of sorrow inside me; however, no one can take away the joy of having been the first Cuban gymnast to attend and win a Pan American event. It was a challenge for me, and I enjoyed it immensely.
Asking you about the coaches who had the most impact on you would be redundant, as I already know the answer; however, who were those instructors?
Hahaha. You were with us for almost 40 years, longer than I lasted in gymnastics. You know. During my time as an athlete, I was fortunate to have two coaches: the first was Rosa Banderas, who introduced me to the sport, and whom I adore. I always carry her in my thoughts; she was the one who initiated me at the National School of Gymnastics. I learned so much from her… she was an incredibly dedicated person, fully committed to her work! I have the best memories from that start in sports. She instilled values in me that have guided me for a lifetime; her perseverance left a lasting mark on me.
When I joined the national team (I always say that I've been fortunate because of my two coaches), I was trained by Xiomara Ameller. I can't find the words to express the immense happiness it brought me to have Xiomara's support. She is someone I continue to admire to this day, and I often reflect on her words and her career as a coach.
I have shared his legacy with my children and my students during the brief time I spent as a coach after my retirement. I tried to convey every word, every gesture, every piece of advice to the girls. I implemented his scientific approach to training. He was, and continues to be, someone you could discuss any topic with. A coach guides the athlete not only from a pedagogical perspective but also on a personal and professional level. His teachings are something I carry with me.
I want to mention Sonia Pedroso, who was part of the faculty when I was on the national team, but I truly adore these two coaches, Rosa and Xiomara.
Lourdes Medina's family... married? How are the kids?
I have been with my husband Orlando Rivera for 12 years; we met here in Miami. As you know, since you have known them since they were born, I have two children from my previous marriage, and I say "children," but they are adults now: Alex is 25 years old and Lulú is 27. She has been working for several years and is a graduate of the University of Florida. Alex is a mechanical and aerospace engineer, also graduated from a university in Florida. They are very independent, and I am very proud of my children.
The rest of my family consists of my sisters who are in Cuba and my dad; I adore them and think about them every day. My sister Luisa María Medina was the regular catcher for the national softball team for 23 years. She has been a role model for me and had the opportunity to compete in the Olympic Games; she participated in Sydney 2000. An incredibly dedicated athlete, she loves the sport and served as a coach for the national team, also lending her expertise in Italy with excellent results. My other sister lives in Pinar del Río. We may not be a large family, but we are very close and dearly connected, unfortunately from a distance.
Do you follow your sport on a global level?
Well, I try to make time for it. Even though at times I haven't found a way to stay updated on Cuban sports due to a lack of time and other responsibilities, as well as the significant decline it has generally experienced, I do my best to follow the major rhythmic gymnastics competitions.
In my time, the Soviet (Russian) and Bulgarian athletes took the lead, but now the spectrum has broadened. The Russian twins Dina and Arina Averina, Israeli Linoy Ashram, Belarusian Alina Harnasko, Bulgarian Boryana Kaleyn, and Italians Milena Baldassarri and Alexandra Agiurgiuculese top a list that also includes Ukrainian, Spanish, and Portuguese competitors… As you can see, our sport has expanded, showcasing its beauty and charisma across the globe.
Is Lourdes Medina happy? Do you have any dreams?
Yes, I have yearnings. I watch a rhythmic gymnastics video and I miss it. I would have liked to work longer as a coach in this sport, but since I’ve had to reinvent myself, I try to find moments of happiness in this new stage of my life, where I am doing new things, and yes, I am happy! I strive to be content with what I am doing right now; I am always in pursuit of happiness.
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