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More than three decades later since his world record of 2.45 meters on July 27, 1993, the name of legendary Cuban high jumper Javier Sotomayor is back in the headlines: he has been honored as Legend of Ibero-American Sport at the GLORIA Awards, a new initiative aimed at celebrating the values, history, and impact of sports in the region.
The recognition will be awarded this Wednesday, June 18, during a ceremony that will be held at the Teatro Albéniz in Madrid, as part of the first edition of the awards, promoted by SSM-Sports Summit Madrid, according to the agency EFE.
An eternal symbol of world athletics
Born in Limonar, Matanzas, on October 13, 1967, “El Soto” is considered the greatest high jumper in history. In addition to the current outdoor (2.45) and indoor (2.43) world records, he was the Olympic champion in Barcelona 1992 and a silver medalist in Sydney 2000, as noted by Prensa Latina.
His figure transcends the realm of sports, becoming an emblem of Cuban talent and excellence in Ibero-American sports. Moreover, he has become a successful entrepreneur with his Bar 2.45, located in Playa, Havana.
Alongside Sotomayor, other personalities being honored include Toni Nadal (Honor Award for Values and Sports), former Brazilian volleyball player Giba, sailor Theresa Zabell, swimmer Andrea Fuentes, and leader Juan Antonio Samaranch (son), among others.
Additionally, institutions such as Fundación ONCE, Marca, DAZN, Club América from Mexico, and organizations like the Ministry of Sport of Chile and the Royal Spanish Football Federation will be honored, with a total of 20 awardees in 13 categories.
GLORIA Awards: a tribute to the legacy and future of sports
With this first edition, the GLORIA Awards for Ibero-American Sports aim to serve as a platform for recognizing and promoting sports as a driver of social change, inclusion, and economic development in the Ibero-American context.
Javier Sotomayor, a symbol of perseverance and unmatched talent, will be one of the key figures in a night where sports will once again serve as a bridge uniting peoples, cultures, and stories.
Frequently Asked Questions about the recognition of Javier Sotomayor as a Legend of Ibero-American Sports
Why is Javier Sotomayor recognized as a Legend of Ibero-American Sports?
Javier Sotomayor has been honored as a Legend of Ibero-American Sports for his remarkable career in athletics, being the only athlete to set world records in high jump both outdoors and indoors. Furthermore, his persona transcends sports, becoming a symbol of Cuban talent and of excellence in Ibero-American sports.
What is the GLORIA Award and who will be honored alongside Sotomayor?
The GLORIA Award is a new initiative aimed at celebrating the values, history, and impact of sports in Ibero-America. Alongside Javier Sotomayor, other notable figures such as Toni Nadal, former Brazilian volleyball player Giba, sailor Theresa Zabell, and leader Juan Antonio Samaranch (son), among others, will also be honored, in addition to institutions like Fundación ONCE and Club América from Mexico.
What is the current situation of Javier Sotomayor regarding the Mipyme D'Soto?
Javier Sotomayor has clarified that he has absolutely nothing to do with the Mipyme D'Soto, which is registered in the name of his half-brother Dariel. Despite the rumors, Sotomayor has denied being the owner or investor of this company, stating that he has never put any money into it nor engaged in any related activities.
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