Yordanis Durañona García is a 28year old Cuban born triple jumper representing the island of Dominica. Yordanis has won several medals on a regional level and was proudly able to live his dream at the 2016 Olympics in Rio.
OY: What did it feel like in the moment that you qualified for the Olympic Games?
YD: I felt happy! I was filled with pride and honour. To make the Olympics was my dream and it was at this point I truly realized it actually came true.
OY: What do you think is the one trait that separates you from every other athlete, especially now that you are here for the Olympic Games?
YD: I like to work every day. I jump, I lift, I run....a lot. There is always something to be done. Even on days that I relax, I study films. Every day is a day to get better.
OY: Everyone encounters difficulty. What would you say has been the most difficult part of your journey as a professional athlete?
YD: One of the greatest difficulties is the injuries. There is nothing worse than having to stop practice to let your body heal. You want to work, but you can't when you are hurt. It makes your mind stronger since you have to keep positive when things get rough.
OY: What difficulties did you have to overcome in competing in this year’s Olympics compared to any other competition?
YD: A difficulty that I had to learn and overcome this Olympic year was the ability to be patient. It is easy to want to see results of your hard work immediately. Especially this year at the Olympic games. You want to see that you are getting Olympic ready. However, that's not how jumping works, that's not how life works. Triple jump is an event about patience, on and off the track.
OY: What do you do in your training that is key to your success? Tell me what is your typical day is like preparing for the Olympics.
YD: One thing that is a key to my success is including explosive movements in all that I do. My typical day starts with a healthy breakfast. I go to the track. I do hurdle drills and bounds. Sometimes I run, sometimes I jump, sometimes I do both. Every other day I go to the gym. I eat a good lunch and rest. Rest is important. I go to the physical therapist if I need it. I go to bed, and I wake up and do it all again.
OY: What keeps you focused/motivated to perform?
YD: My motivation is my support. My family, my friends and my country. They keep me going.
OY: What was the best advice you were given and how do you think it shaped you as an athlete?
YD: The best advice I ever got was to never give up. Those words are in my head every day when I train and compete.
OY: What advice do you have for young athletes in your country/region who dream of becoming professional athletes / being an Olympian?
YD: My advice for young athletes is anything is possible with determination and hard work. If you put your mind to it, you can do it.
OY: What changes would you like to see in sports/athletics development in your country/region?
YD: I would like to see a track on the island eventually. In doing so, it would help motivate other young athletes to join the sport.
