Havana, September 6 (JIT)-- Venezuelan star triple jumper Yulimar Rojas announced Tuesday that she will not participate in the Pan American Games of Santiago 2023, in order to prioritize an optimal preparation for the Olympic Games in Paris next year.
In a statement released through social networks, the world record holder apologized to Venezuelans who had purchased tickets to see her jump in the athletics competition of the continental multisport event.
The four-time world champion explained that "after an analysis with my work team, we have decided to decline to attend the Pan American Games in Santiago 2023, thinking of giving the best result to Venezuela in the Olympic Games in Paris".
Yulimar also recognizes how important it is for her country that she competes in the Chilean capital, but she understands that she must protect the 2024 season and prefers not to put at risk "neither physically nor psychologically" her incursion in the upcoming Olympic Games.
"My 2023 outdoor season ends on September 17 with the participation in the Diamond League final in Eugene," said the recent universal queen in Budapest 2023.
"After that it is important to rest and regain strength, try to be at my best in the preseason and training during these months, to be able to face the next season in the best way," added the reigning Olympic champion.
The best triple jumper of the last decade assured that it is always a privilege to represent her country, and that it has been a very difficult decision to make. She deeply regretted not being able to meet her expectations.
"We have taken it thinking of continuing to bring joy to the country in the Olympic Games," explained the athlete, who hopes for understanding for this situation.
Although she does not mention it, the problems she faced in winning her most recent universal crown may have weighed on her decision to shorten her competitive season. In the final, she came close to missing the first cut. He secured victory with a final attempt of 15.08 meters.
She then won without a hitch at the 2023 Diamond League stop in Zurich, Switzerland, securing her presence in the final of the circuit.
However, she is once again the favorite to secure the gem in an event that will feature the main stars of the current season, including Cuba's Leyanis Perez and Liadagmis Povea.
