A regrettable internal miscoordination within the Cuban delegation deprived parathlete Ever René Castro Martínez, a prominent figure in sports for the disabled on the island, of winning gold at the 2025 Cali Parathletics Grand Prix.
According to a report by Periódico 26, a member of the delegation was aware of the schedule change for the javelin competition in the F-41 category, but did not inform the athlete from Tunas, who never showed up for the event.
The final, originally scheduled for 5:00 p.m., was unusually moved forward to 11:40 a.m. due to the rain in the capital of Valle del Cauca.
The most revealing fact: Ever René was the only registered participant in his class, according to the official event website. Had he participated, the gold medal would have been his automatically, earning critical points at the beginning of the paralympic cycle leading to Los Angeles 2028.
From continental champion to victim of disorganization
Castro Martínez is a significant name in para-athletics. A native of Puerto Padre in the province of Las Tunas, and a source of pride for Maniabón, he is the current continental record holder in the F-41 category with a mark of 36.04 meters, achieved at the Xalapa Grand Prix 2024 in Mexico. This year, he had already confirmed his form by reaching 35.45 meters in a national competition at the Pan American Stadium in Havana.
Her participation in Cali represented her first international competition of the Paralympic cycle leading up to 2028, and it was crucial for gaining experience and qualifying.
However, the negligence of his technical team not only deprived him of a certain victory, but also once again exposed the structural management issues that affect Cuban sports, even at its highest levels of performance.
What's coming for Ever René
Despite this setback, the calendar for the star javelin thrower continues as planned. He is expected to represent Cuba at the World Para Athletics Championship in New Delhi, India, from September 26 to October 5, 2025. But the question remains: will he be able to focus on competing if his own delegation does not support him as he deserves?
Frequently Asked Questions about Disorganization in Cuban Sports
How did the disorganization affect Ever René Castro at the 2025 Cali Parathletics Grand Prix?
The disorganization of the Cuban delegation deprived Ever René Castro of a gold medal at the 2025 Cali Parathletics Grand Prix. A team member was aware of the schedule change for the javelin competition but failed to inform the athlete, who did not appear for the event. Had he competed, Castro would have automatically won, as he was the only one registered in his category.
What is the importance of international events for Cuban para-athletes?
For Cuban para-athletes, international events are crucial for gaining experience and qualifying points, especially in the Paralympic cycle leading up to events like Los Angeles 2028. Participation in international competitions not only strengthens their sports career but also provides them with exposure and opportunities to compete at the highest level.
What does the negligence of the Cuban delegation reveal about the management of sports in Cuba?
Negligence in the management of the Cuban delegation reveals structural management problems that affect sports in Cuba, even at high-performance levels. These issues include a lack of coordination and communication, which harms athletes by depriving them of crucial opportunities for their careers and the prestige of Cuban sports on the international stage.
Filed under:
