Cuba qualified three men and an equal number of women for the modern pentathlon of the Pan American Games of Santiago 2023, during the continental competition of this sport held recently in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

Havana, October 29 (RHC)-- Cuba qualified three men and an equal number of women for the modern pentathlon of the Pan American Games of Santiago 2023, during the continental competition of this sport held recently in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

In the men's division, Juan Pablo Velázquez placed seventh after accumulating 1,453 points, followed by his compatriot Marcos Rojas with 1,452. The list of the 18 finalists was headed by Mexico's Emiliano Hernández (1,542).

"Both did very well, an extraordinary merit if we take into account the limitations they have had during the preparation. Lester Ders finished in 20th place, as he fenced well," Frank Alberto Martinez, national commissioner of the sport, explained to JIT.

The top 30 of the event qualified for Santiago 2023, said Martinez, who also highlighted the bronze medal achieved in the men's relay by Lester and Marcos.

In the women's sector, the executive highlighted the performance of Delmis Pérez, the longest in the national pre-selection after the departure of Leydi Laura Moya for personal projects.

Nevertheless, the multi-awarded pentathlonist keeps in touch with the team and transmits her experiences and knowledge along with the detraining process.

Delmis, in 19th place, came closer to plan. Diana Leyva finished 26th, despite facing difficulties with training due to injury. Melissa Garlobo placed 33rd and then dropped out of the delegation, in what she describes as gross indiscipline.

Although the girls were below the results of the boys, they ensured their presence in the Chilean capital. In the relay, they finished in sixth place.

The Cuban pentathletes have also secured quotas to the Central American and Caribbean Games of San Salvador 2023, scheduled between June and July.