HAVANA, CUBA.- Leslie Amat was very close to participate in the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games for the New Flag quota provided by the World Triathlon. The best Cuban triathlete does not cease in her efforts to attend an appointment under the five rings.

This year began for her with a seventh place in the Havana Triathlon. Leslie was aiming for a top-five finish, but she scored valuable points in her Olympic career. Behind the warrior who fights tirelessly in the three sports disciplines that make up the triathlon, hides a shy girl, far from the spotlight.

Perhaps, and this is an observation from a distance, Leslie Amat lacks a bit of confidence when it comes to marking her territory. She has put a lot of effort into a sport that is not much in the media, and which requires a triple sacrifice. It would be unfair for her not to be in Paris 2024, but the sport does not believe in justice. Triathlon rewards results, and especially participation in various tournaments. Leslie is still in the battle to achieve her big dream. San Salvador 2023 seems to be the first big stop.

Amat conquered two bronze medals in the XXIII Central American and Caribbean Games, held in Barranquilla, Colombia in 2018, in women’s team along with Daniela Ciara and Tania Rizo, and in the Mixed Relay, accompanied by Michel Gonzalez, Tania Rizo and Victor Herrera.

Leslie Amat’s challenges for this year?

The Central American and Caribbean Games and the Pan American Games are coming up. In San Salvador 2023 we aspire to obtain medals in the individual and in the women’s and men’s team. In addition, we will also opt for medals in the mixed relay. It will be a test of fire for us, but we are optimistic and focused on obtaining the best results.

And at the Pan American Games?

I would like to beat my seventh place in Lima 2019. That’s the goal, to be able to improve on that result from four years ago, and I think it’s possible. It is difficult because this sport has a lot of level in the area, but we will try our best to achieve it.

Do you have a real chance of attending Paris 2024?

If the Olympics were held tomorrow, I would be qualified because I have the new flag quota. With the Havana Triathlon I scored points again and it ratified me in the ranking.

Are you planning tournaments for the rest of the year?

We have planned several international competitions that will be important in order to continue adding points for the world ranking and keep me with the possibility of attending Paris 2024.

Does Leslie dream of Paris 2024?

I think it is a possible goal. I was close to achieving it in Tokyo, but it didn’t happen. I think I just need to believe that I can.

^{Collaboration: Duanys Hernández Torres}

^{Cover photo: World Triathlon}

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