Sotomayor with the Ibero-American Sports Legend Glory Award

Javier Sotomayor, the distinguished Cuban high jumper and current holder of the world record for high jump —2.45 meters (m) since 1993— became on Thursday the first recipient of the Ibero-American Sports Legend Glory Award. At a ceremony held at the Albéniz Theatre in Madrid, Spain.

At nearly 58 years of age and with a track record that includes Olympic gold, world, Pan American titles, and youth successes. The one known as the ‘Prince of Heights’ was the center of attention at the ceremony.

Sotomayor, with his usual simplicity, acknowledged in statements to Prensa Latina that he no longer strives to answer when and who will break his historic mark: ‘I don’t know, I have no idea who or when my world record will be broken, someday,’ he said with a smile, which sparked applause and empathy among those present.

Excited, he assured that he feels privileged to share the award with personalities like Giba, Toni Nadal, and the national teams of Spain and Argentina: “I feel so privileged… I will keep it among my best memories because there are many figures with sufficient merits… I am very grateful to have been considered.”

Looking back at his career, he recalled that his record of 2.45 m was achieved on July 27th, 1993, in Salamanca and that his sports legacy goes beyond that: he is also awarded the Princess of Asturias and the IOC “Sport, Inspiration for Youth.”

Originally from the municipality of Limonar in Matanzas, Sotomayor concluded with an intimate and family touch: “The day will come when I can tell my children, my grandchildren: Dad was there… Grandpa feels very proud to have achieved it.”

The recognition, driven by SSM-Sports Summit Madrid, also honors institutions and figures of outstanding Ibero-American work. Reiterating the commitment to values such as inclusion, sustainability and excellence.

With information from CNA

Translated by Aliani Rojas Fernandez

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