There was a time when his slender and flexible figure seemed to defy the stopwatch. Each stride was a blend of strength, elegance, and precision; each hurdle, just another obstacle for a runner who made the 400-meter hurdles the stage for his greatest achievements. Today, he no longer chases medals from the track, but he retains the unwavering passion that brought him to the elite.
From the track at Khalifa Stadium in Qatar, he transforms his experience into teaching, convinced that true triumph is not always about crossing the finish line first, but in shaping those who one day will. Balancing fatherhood and his new life as a coach, the champion embarks on a different path, where legacy is worth more than any podium.
For me, it's a pleasure to talk again with Yasmani Copello, who recently became a dad... Congratulations, champ!
The pleasure is mine, and yes, I am the father of a boy. His name is Ares, and he is the greatest blessing that has come into my life. His mother, Elif, is very happy. She has been my driving force to achieve everything we have today, and as a mother, she is wonderful.
Personally, I feel very good. I wouldn’t change anything. I continue to work in what I am most passionate about, which is athletics, only now from a different perspective: that of a coach.
When and how did you say goodbye to active sports?
I retired after the 2024 Paris Olympic Games. I arrived feeling very worn out, both physically and psychologically. It was a difficult and very sad decision, as it meant leaving behind what I loved most in life: to compete.
Now you are developing a new facet as a coach in Qatar. How did this stage begin?
I started as a coach in mid-2024; in fact, I was still active as an athlete at the time. I would finish my training sessions and immediately move on to coaching my athletes, because that's how this profession works: right in the field.
I currently have eight athletes under my guidance. Six of them achieved the qualifying mark to participate in the Junior World Championship in Oregon, USA, which will take place in August of this year, although only three will be able to attend.
I primarily work with the 400-meter dash and the 400-meter hurdles.
Among the most outstanding athletes is "Zeze," as I call him, since Arabic names are a bit complicated for me. Last year, he was the Asian champion under-16 with a time of 51.26 seconds. Faisal also stands out, being the Asian runner-up under-18, with a time of 50.54 seconds.
The most striking thing is that many of these young people never went through a school sports system like the one we had in Cuba; most of them were recruited from soccer.
Qatar has made a strong investment in the development of sports. How do you assess the training conditions there?
Qatar has distinguished itself by providing opportunities to young coaches as well as to those with sports experience to promote the development of sports—in my case, athletics—and to elevate its level.
We train at Khalifa Stadium, the same venue that hosted the 2019 World Athletics Championships. It is a spectacular facility that has remained in excellent condition over the years and offers everything needed to perform at the highest level.
You trained in the Cuban sports system and then developed much of your international career representing Turkey. How do you see the Cuban athletics scene for Los Angeles 2028?
I trained in the Cuban sports system, which was the foundation of my development as an elite athlete, although, as you rightly say, I later represented Turkey.
Despite the challenges facing Cuban sports, I believe it continues to maintain a high level. Cuba continues to win medals at world championships and achieve good results in the Diamond League, especially in jumping events.
In sports, the outlook is more modest, to put it mildly, as it is below the level that Cuba historically achieved.
I believe that at the Los Angeles Olympic Games, if everything goes smoothly and Cuba can compete without difficulties in the United States, there will be real chances for medals, especially in the triple jump and long jump, because there is a very strong program in those disciplines.
The 400 meters hurdles require a very special combination of speed, endurance, and technique. What does it take to achieve excellence?
The 400 meters hurdles is a very complex event. It requires a combination of speed, endurance, strength, and highly precise technique. Achieving this balance is challenging and demands extensive study, planning, and experience. This is precisely what I continue to learn more about every day in my new role as a coach.
After having been an Olympic and world medalist, what legacy would you like to leave as a coach?
More than creating great athletes, I want to nurture good people. My greatest legacy would be to educate my athletes not only for sports but also for life. If they have a solid human foundation, they will be much better prepared to reach the international elite and achieve great results.
To conclude, would you like to send a greeting?
Yes. I want to send a very special greeting to my family, and especially to my parents, who are the source of this lion they have shaped. I also want to thank all the people who contributed in their own small way to help me in my sports development… Thank you so much, everyone!
We do not bid farewell to the athlete or the coach because the echo of a life built on effort, humility, and love remains. Behind each medal, there was a family, parents, a dream, and many helping hands. Now that legacy will continue to thrive, shaping good human beings before champions. Thank you for sharing your story, your heart, and reminding us that true greatness always leaves a mark.
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