Guantanamo.- “I stopped training because they said long-distance running had no future in Cuba. However, my coach, Rafael MacBeath, initiated a project to reverse that perception, and I decided to return,” stated Anisleidis Ochoa, the newly crowned Central American and Caribbean Games champion in the 5000 meters.
When asked about her comeback, Ochoa acknowledged, “It wasn’t easy because I had been away from the sport and lacked motivation.”
Yet, it was her mother, Odalmis, who encouraged her to try again. “She told me, ‘Give it a shot, daughter.’ I took her advice, approached Coach McBeath, and went on to win the 5000 meters decisively with a time of 16:57.67 on the opening day of athletics at Santo Domingo 2026.”
Regarding the race’s pace, Ochoa explained, “There were several strategies designed to secure victory. Had my competitors set a fast pace, I would have kept up; if they had attempted to break away early, we would have responded accordingly. Since the race was slow, I opted to conserve energy and finish strong with my sprint.”
Ochoa maintained position within the pack, closely trailing Venezuelan Edymar Brea. With three laps remaining, she surged ahead, extending the lead. Despite efforts from Brea and Mexican athletes Dafne Juárez and Sabrina Salcedo to keep pace, Ochoa unleashed her full speed in the final 200 meters, leaving her rivals unable to respond.
Reflecting on her mother’s influence, Ochoa said, “Look at my shoes—they say, ‘I love you, Mom.’ Without her support, this historic victory for Cuba might not have happened.”
Looking ahead to the 3000-meter steeplechase, Ochoa shared her outlook: “The 5000 meters allowed me to gauge my condition without overexertion due to the race’s slower pace. Strategies will adapt based on developments during the race and the competition. One thing is certain—I am aiming for another podium finish,” emphasized the Guantánamo native.
