Javier Sotomayor still on a high

A seven-year absence is long enough to make most rust into oblivion. But not this all-time great from Cuba.

A seven-year absence is long enough to make most rust into oblivion. But not this all-time great from Cuba. He quit athletics on a high — having won a silver at the Sydney Olympics after the reversal of a drug suspension for cocaine use — in 2000, but even today Javier Sotomayor can give the best of his ilk a run for their money. Confidence personified and bustling with athleticism, the world-record holder in high jump is truly a rare species.

Sotomayor is on his first-ever trip to the country — he is a brand ambassador for Vodafone Delhi Half Marathon — after a few aborted attempts before. “I always wanted to visit India, but couldn’t because of training and other commitments. This time I accepted the invitation and here I am,” was how he opened up during a tete-e-tete with the media.

Apologising time and again for “my bad English,” he took the help of Hugh Jones, who acted the interpreter, and answered questions of varying interests — from Cuban sports to American domination in athletics to Asians and others now making considerable inroads into the so-called “US athletics bastion.” He also touched upon dope-related issues and how stricter dope measures have pulled the Americans down.

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Becoming a bit emotional, Sotomayor said how the Olympic year held special significance for him, particularly after he missed two successive ones in 1984 and 1988 because of his government’s boycott of the Games. But brushing aside his disappointment, Sotomayor went on to win his first gold in Olympics in Barcelona four years later.

Reminiscing on his world record jump in Salamanca (Spain) on September 8 in 1993, the Cuban ace said: “That day will remain etched in my memory for ever.”

Currently managing Cuban athletes — he is the manager of the athletics team — Sotomayor was a bit disappointed with the current lot of high jumpers who are not as determined as athletes of his days. “It’s simple. There is lack of determination,” he said.

While admitting that the American domination was lessening since Athens, the Cuban said it was something to do with the progress other have made. “In America and even in Cuba the athletes have held their positions at the top, but the dwindling of medals in Olympics by these countries is because others have progressed by leaps and bounds. I think that is a good sign.”

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On his last appearance in Sydney, he said since he was under suspension (for cocaine use) he couldn’t train in 1999. “But my base was strong enough to carry me through in Sydney, though I would have been happier to end my career with a gold,” he said.

Giving an insight into Cuban sports, Sotomayor said the government had a system and young kids get assimilated into it: “There is determination and good infrastructure and government support. That should explain why we are doing well .”

Reminding the Indian-Cuban connection (IABF has a Cuban coach), Sotomayor said: “we can even offer you an athletics coach.”