Gold and silver in athletics; Cuba still sixth in Cali 2021

HAVANA, Cuba, Dec 1 (ACN) Cuba still ranks sixth on the medal table of the First Junior Pan American Games Cali 2021 after winning a gold and a silver medal in athletics Tuesday.

Discus throwers Silinda Morales and Melany Matheus made the one-two with throws of 59.13 m and 54.31 m, respectively, to outdo the Chilean Catalina Bravo (52.44 m) and prove their quality.

Cuba (7-8-6) is only surpassed so far by the leader Brazil (34-23-33), Mexico (29-45-21), Colombia (28-21-35), United States (28-16-21) and Argentina (11-11-21).

Furthermore, the four Cuban hurdlers (women and men) earned their tickets to the finals, namely Ariliannis Colas—with an all-time best 57.89 s in the 400 meters hurdles—and Darielys Sentella (59.64 sec), whereas Yoao Puentes (51.89 s) and Lázaro Rodríguez (51.10 s) won their heats, both with personal bests.

Also on Tuesday, Cuban long jumper Yanisley Carrion finished eighth with 6.01 meters.

Cuba's six medal-producing sports are judo (2-2-3), diving (2-2-1), canoeing (2-1-0), athletics (1-1-0), weightlifting (0-2-1) and boxing (0-0-1), although the latter has already secured five silver medals that our fighters will try to turn into gold on Wednesday.

Today could be another good day for Cuba with the debut of the wrestlers, in addition to other track & field and boxing events.