The young Cuban-American Justin Herrera was crowned national rowing champion of the United States in the individual category during the USRowing Youth National Championships 2026, held from June 11 to 14 at Nathan Benderson Park in Sarasota, Florida. Born in Miami to Cuban parents, the athlete from Belen Jesuit Preparatory School claimed the number one title in the country with a blend of discipline, strategy, and pride in his roots.
In an interview with Tania Costa on CiberCuba, Justin Herrera explained in detail the tactic that led him to victory: staying calm while his rivals attacked in the first meters of the race. "I knew I had to stay calm. That’s how we win. So, I stayed calm," declared the rower.
Herrera, son of the successful Cuban-American businessman Iván Herrera, described how he believed in his plan even when a competitor from Cambridge had the upper hand.
"I had that boy from Cambridge right in front of me. I knew that all the kids I faced were good rowers and that they would start attacking me in the first 100 meters, in the first 500 meters. But I knew I had to play smart and stick to my own plan, and that I would be pushing hard at the end to be able to overtake everyone," he recounted.
His coach, Yunian Cabrera, attributed the victory to a whole season of sacrifice. "Indeed, this regatta was won from the very beginning of the year. He has been a young man of great dedication, discipline, and determination," stated the coach.
Cabrera detailed the demanding training regimen of Justin Herrera. "We were getting up at five in the morning to practice before school. After school, in the afternoon, we trained again. It has been a long season, but definitely with the reward of the gold medal."
Tania Costa emphasized the significance of the achievement. "It sounds easy. Number one in rowing in the United States. You say it very quickly, but it's tremendous, it's tremendous."
When asked about his diet, Justin Herrera responded humorously and without hesitation: "Rice, beans, and meat, like a good Cuban." The answer elicited laughter, but it also encapsulated something deeper: his identity.
Although he was born in Miami, Justin Herrera does not hesitate to identify as Cuban. "I was born here, but both of my parents are from Cuba. My dad has always told me a lot about Cuba, and I am always very proud to be a part of Cuba. Very proud to be part of Cuba," the champion expressed.
The championship, which celebrated its 31st anniversary in its 2026 edition, brought together over 5,000 athletes from across the country, who had to qualify beforehand through 11 regional regattas. Nathan Benderson Park in Sarasota is one of the most important rowing facilities in the United States and a regular host of national and international competitions.
Justin Herrera still has two years of high school ahead of him and sees this title as a starting point, not as the goal. "No, not at all. This is just the beginning. I still have two more years in high school, and there's still a lot for me to achieve and many more regattas to win," he stated.
The following challenge is already marked on the calendar: the Henley Royal Regatta, regarded as the most prestigious rowing event in the world, taking place from June 30 to July 5 in Henley-on-Thames, London.
"We are now preparing for the most important regatta in the world, the Henley Royal Regatta in London. We are heading toward Saturday the 20th," announced Justin Herrera himself, who stated that his victory was a birthday gift for his mom.
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