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The prominent Cuban discus thrower Yaimé Pérez, known as "La Rusa," joined the cast of the ninth season of Exatlón Estados Unidos All Stars, which premiered on Tuesday, December 10, on the Telemundo network.
The reality show tests the physical and mental abilities of its participants through challenging circuits, with a prize of $200,000 for the winner.
Pérez, 33 years old and originally from Santiago de Cuba, is part of the Blue Team, which also includes another Cuban competitor, Yoridán Martínez, a champion from a previous edition and a former baseball player who represented the Spanish national team.
Both will try to outdo the contenders of the Red Team in weeks of intense trials in what is known as the "most fierce competition on the planet."
From athletic elite to reality show
Yaimé Pérez has been one of the best discus throwers in the world over the past decade. She was the world champion in Doha in 2019 and won the bronze medal at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games.
However, his career took a drastic turn after he left the Cuban delegation in 2022, following the World Athletics Championships in Eugene, Oregon. Since then, he has been residing in Philadelphia, United States.
In 2024, Pérez returned to the sports spotlight by recording a throw of 73.09 meters at the Oklahoma Throwing Series, marking the best world record in the last 35 years and the tenth best of all time.
This achievement underscored his status as an elite athlete, although his current situation has prevented him from officially representing the United States.
Exceptional track record
Yaimé Pérez's legacy includes titles such as gold at the 2019 Pan American Games in Lima, silver in Toronto in 2015, two crowns in the Diamond League (2018 and 2019), and a youth world championship in 2010. Her transition to television expands her influence, showcasing her versatility beyond athletics.
La Rusa's participation in Exatlón Estados Unidos not only elevates her profile but also creates anticipation among Cubans who are closely following her performance in this new adventure.
Frequently Asked Questions about Yaimé Pérez and Her Participation in Exatlón United States
Who is Yaimé Pérez and what is her sports career?
Yaimé Pérez is a prominent Cuban discus thrower, recognized for her achievements on the international stage. She became the world champion in Doha in 2019 and won a bronze medal at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics. Her accolades include titles at the Pan American Games in Lima 2019, a silver medal in Toronto 2015, and two championships in the Diamond League in 2018 and 2019.
Why did Yaimé Pérez join the Exatlón United States program?
Yaimé Pérez joined Exatlón Estados Unidos to showcase her versatility beyond athletics. After leaving the Cuban delegation in 2022 and settling in the United States, her participation in the reality show allows her to remain in the spotlight, demonstrating her physical and mental skills in a new competitive context.
What does Yaimé Pérez's participation in Exatlón mean for her sports career?
Participation in Exatlón represents an expansion of Yaimé Pérez's impact, showcasing her ability to adapt and compete beyond the traditional athletic realm. While she remains an elite athlete, this venture into a television program diversifies her presence and could open new opportunities in her career.
What other Cuban athletes have participated in Exatlón United States?
Yoridán Martínez is another Cuban participating in Exatlón Estados Unidos, being part of the Blue Team alongside Yaimé Pérez. Yoridán is a former baseball player who represented the Spanish national team and was a champion in a previous edition of the show. Both will compete in what is known as the "fiercest competition on the planet."
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