CAMAGÜEY.- A few days ago we analyzed the possibilities of Olympic qualification for Camagüey's athletes. Today we suggest you go a little further, up to the podiums.

Five years ago, in Rio 2016, the Cuban harvest was five titles, two subtitles and four third places, with the contribution of two representatives of this province, both from the Warriors of El Mayor: Julio César La Cruz (gold in 81 kilograms) and Joahnys Argilagos (bronze in 48).

Taking into account that a smaller group of athletes will arrive in the Japanese capital compared to then, many might believe the chances of matching that loot are remote, but it is not like that, at least in our opinion.

We start from the premise of having two solid candidates for the crown: jumper Juan Miguel Echevarría and La Cruz himself.

"The Extraterrestrial" from the cast La Guernica leads the season in his modality and there are few men who can land further than him in the jump box. Even a few days ago the International Olympic Committee used the image of him as one of those called to give a great show this summer, comparing him with Mike Powell himself.

“La Sombra” from Plaza San Juan de Dios, meanwhile, has had time to get used to a new weight category, 91 kilograms, and comes out as one of the favorites, although he must first get his qualifying ticket. They enter the forecasts of the Inder to sound the Hymn of Bayamo in the land of the rising sun.

In a second echelon of possibilities, we also place boxers Yoenlis Hernández and Dainier Peró, along with runner Rose Mary Almanza.

Both Hernández (75 kilograms) and Peró (+91) would have to get a ticket in the Americas tournament and once in Japan, with the help of the draw and in full form, they could hang a medal. Meanwhile, "The Queen" faces what should be her last Olympic cycle and has focused on giving a pleasant surprise.

In the top 10 in the last echelon of the World Athletics 800 meters, Almanza is in a position to reach the final and turn the oval in the top three. She would also aspire to seek glory as part of the women's 4x400m relay, but that's a tougher competition.

Diver Jeinkler Aguirre and runner Roberto Skyers, both pending qualification, know what it is to compete in a summer event and will try to be included among the finalists of their tests. They could come back with an Olympic diploma, recognition given to those who finish in the top ten in each event, like triplet Davisleidys Velazco, if she manages to regain her shape after suffering from various health problems.

And if it comes to overcoming injuries, the canoeist Mahivianet Borges would be the big surprise. With proven quality, the “Lancha de Jimaguayú” and her companion Katherin Nuevo were in a sixth step in the two-seater canoe at 500 meters in the last world championship and they are going for more this summer.

The great unknown for the Cuban delegation is the classification of the baseball team, but even when they do, it will be difficult to be among the top three. In the best case, maybe one of our Bulls would be on the roster.

The rest of the athletes of this land will put all their strength to get on the podium, but they have less chance of achieving it. However, for young people it will serve to measure themselves in the elite of their disciplines and add experiences for future occasions.

In our opinion, Camagüey aspires to contribute three to four medals. Give it the colors.

Translated by Linet Acuña Quilez