Renowned hammer thrower Yipsi Moreno, at the age of 45, is set to make a return to the global stage at the upcoming World Athletics Championship. However, this time, she will don the colors of Albania rather than Cuba. This announcement was made by Global Athletics Hub on X, highlighting Moreno's illustrious career as an Olympic champion in Beijing 2008 and a three-time world champion (2001, 2003, and 2005) while representing the island nation.
The sports icon from Camagüey will compete in the Tokyo 2025 World Athletics Championship under the Albanian flag, thanks to a universality slot granted by World Athletics (WA), the sport's global governing body. According to the specialized site DeporCuba, this mechanism allows countries with low representation in world championships to offer additional slots to athletes with a significant track record, even if they haven't met the minimum qualifying standard.
From Cuban Idol to European Competitor
Moreno's return to competitive sports took place in June of the previous year, when she clinched gold medals in hammer and discus throw at the Albania Cup. Despite a decade-long hiatus from competition, she showcased remarkable physical form at the local event. Just two months prior, Yipsi re-emerged in Europe alongside her family.
In April 2024, reports confirmed that the athlete resides in Albania with her husband and son, following a series of photos shared on Facebook from the municipality of Belsh. Her move to Europe signaled a dramatic shift in her career, not just in sports but symbolically as well. For years, Moreno was closely tied to the Cuban government, defending the regime and holding various political positions.
From Athletic Power to Political Downfall
After retiring from active sports, Yipsi was appointed as the president of Cuba's National Athletics Commission in 2018. Her tenure, however, was marred by poor international results and controversy. In 2022, a video surfaced showing her verbally assaulting students at the ESPA, leading to widespread criticism. That same year, she was removed from her position "by personal choice," although she later revealed she learned of her replacement "through television."
Her decline in influence extended beyond athletics. In 2023, Moreno was ousted from the Council of State and lost her seat in the National Assembly of People’s Power, marking the end of her brief foray into Cuba's institutional politics.
A Fresh Start in Albania
Far from Cuba and her past political life, Yipsi Moreno appears to have found a new opportunity to revive her athletic career in Albania. The announcement that she will compete in the World Championship under the Albanian banner is not only striking due to her age, 45, but it also reignites the conversation about the fate of many Cuban athletes who, after years of serving the official sports system, end up emigrating and seeking new opportunities on foreign grounds.
By joining the ranks of Cuban stars who change countries yet continue to compete, the Olympic champion adds a layer of intrigue, given her previous role as a symbolic figure within Cuba's sports and political apparatus. Her participation in the World Championship representing Albania will be closely watched by both the international athletics community and Cuban fans, who now witness one of their celebrated sports figures representing another nation at the twilight of her career.
Yipsi Moreno's Transition to Albania: Key Questions
Why is Yipsi Moreno competing for Albania?
Yipsi Moreno is competing for Albania due to a universality slot offered by World Athletics, allowing her to represent a country with low representation at global championships.
What are Yipsi Moreno's major achievements in athletics?
Yipsi Moreno is a celebrated hammer thrower, having won an Olympic gold medal in 2008 and three world championships in 2001, 2003, and 2005.
How has Yipsi Moreno's career been linked to Cuban politics?
Moreno was closely associated with the Cuban government, holding political positions and defending the regime until her move to Albania marked a shift away from her political ties.