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It is no secret that when discussing the greats of Cuban athletics, the name of Yipsi Moreno holds a prominent place in the elite.
Today we bring her to this space due to her recent participation in the women's hammer throw event at the Tokyo World Athletics Championships in Japan, where she competed for Albania.
Beyond your record of 65.38 meters, there is a story, there is a life, there is a legend. What has it been like for the "Furia de Agramonte" to compete in this World Championship?
It has been a unique, extraordinary experience… a true adventure! A wonderful experience: sharing the stage once again with the Polish Anita Włodarczyk, the greatest hammer thrower of all time —four-time world champion, three-time Olympic champion, and holder of the world record with 82.98 m— who continues to prove her relevance at the age of 40. With the Romanian Bianca Ghelber and younger athletes than me, but who competed alongside me before I retired.
Being among the newest generation, trained by many who shared my journey, is something beautiful, July. It’s something unique! Many congratulated me and mentioned that they grew up having me as an idol, and seeing me today brings them joy and happiness.
Did you really think you would be in a hammer cage again, especially at a World Cup?
Oh, of course not! Look, it's a wonderful experience; initially strange because this opportunity came after thinking I would never launch again —logically— and here I am in Albania, look where I am.
Why Albania?
My husband Abdel has a work contract that allows him to be with the whole family.
Once in Tirana, they asked him if I was still willing to compete, even if just for the Nationals, and well, depending on my performance, I could later participate in championships like the Balkan Games, in the third division, among others.
And my husband said to me, “You have always loved this and have been active,” meaning I have always been at the gym doing spinning, crossfit, and then I tried powerlifting…hahaha…; in short, always active with exercise. Then he asked me, “Would you like to try it?”, and I said, “Well, let’s try it as a hobby and then we’ll see.”
And so, just for fun, a few months later I entered a competition, threw 63 meters, and started to get excited. Abdel got enthusiastic too… and that’s how it all started!
There weren't any conditions for launching when I arrived, but later on, they improved a little. Right now, they are thinking of putting up a net. In short, there aren't many conditions, but I come from Cuba, from school.
My great and unforgettable coach Eladio Hernández taught us to be extraordinary, not just in sports but also in life, and he taught us that trust is earned.
This is how I started, and once I obtained my nationality, I was able to represent my country. At first, I felt strange, but I thought, after all, life is just one. My best moments, my passion, everything I could give, my responsibility, I dedicated to my country, to my homeland, to my beloved people…
But if I still have the strength and life allows me to help another country motivate other young people, why not do it? If I’m not hurting anyone, I’m not taking anything away from anyone...
I am just living my life and my moments. Why not support a country that is also giving my family a chance, a country that has allowed our son to have other opportunities for education and development, and that enables us as a family to be together?
Our life has been one of sacrifices on both sides: we spent a lot of time apart. Now, thanks to God and this nation, we can finally be together with our son.
I feel Cuban and I will always be proud to be Cuban, the "Furia de Agramonte"; and now I represent with great respect, gratitude, and pride as well for Albania.
You reached out to the family, especially to Abdelito. Has he adapted to different customs and a new language?
Abdelito has been the first and the one who has adapted best... hahaha. He has made friends. Being in school helps him socialize; he likes it a lot. He also enjoys the language. The thing is, if you study it, it’s not that difficult.
Actually, I like it. Abdel found a private tutor for the child for the language and for Mathematics to support him, and he is doing well.
Back to the Tokyo World Championship. I know you, and I know you dreamed of going beyond the 68.74 meters you recently achieved in Albania, maybe even touching the idea of reaching 70 meters... but it couldn’t be. Do you feel disappointed?
Oh, mother! You really don't miss a thing. Yes, I was fine, I arrived in good shape. But I didn't make it; I’m telling you: in terms of results, this has been the worst competition I've had.
Despite being the one I arrived at best prepared for, I dare say I felt a bit like I did at my first World Championship, the one in Seville '99. Remember? You were there. But in sports, it's not enough to have all the parameters right, to be in good physical condition. This is considering that I hadn't competed for 12 years.
That day everything has to come together, and on that day, maybe I was anxious, like a young athlete… But it didn’t happen. However, I didn’t get discouraged; on the contrary. I am awakening what’s left of the Yipsi in the sports arena, and I can apply it to my life in general.
Did leading the National Athletics Commission harm your personal life?
I could say it hurt me because I was, and still am, very wholesome and respectful towards those who respect me and deserve it. They tried to take advantage of that and hit a wall.
But I am grateful for it because it was a school for many aspects of life, truly. I won't delve into this topic because many people find joy in judging me without knowing me, without knowing the truth, without exploring my feelings; inventing stories that some wish to hear.
That might be for another interview someday… hahaha. Just one thing: I was neither dismissed nor let go. In May, before the Obregón World Cup, I requested my resignation.
The rest I leave as homework. And let it be noted! I had to lead for almost two years without a track, figuring out where the kids could train and compete; I had to manage the Olympic Games in the midst of a pandemic.
No gold medals were won, but the results were very good. I just hope that someday there will be criticism backed by statistics. I am grateful in life for both the good and the bad. I appreciate the good because I enjoy them, and the bad because I learn and grow.
You are 44 years old; take a look back. What is your greatest pride: your Olympic title or your three world championships?
My greatest pride regarding the medals comes from all of them because each one is important; behind each medal, there is a story, a sacrifice that is not just mine, but also of my family, of Abdel, as we have been together for almost 30 years, and of my coach and his family.
Just like my personal record (76.62 m) that brought me so much satisfaction. I love all my results… they are all beautiful and achieved with love!
Will you continue in active sports?
When I return to Albania, I will obviously take a few days off, and then, I will prepare for the next season. After two years, I'll reassess. You never know when life ends, so I will try this for another two years, if I can. I believe I made significant progress in just one year; let's see what can be accomplished in two.
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