Mireya Luis
She met with the media two days ahead of the start of the XI Women’s Pan American Cup, a qualifier to the 2013 FIVB World Grand Prix.
“I am so honored to be here now with new duties in the NORCECA Confederation and to be part of this great sport celebration as the Pan Am Cup,” said the former player who was part of the “Morenas of the Caribbean” squad that captured three Olympic gold medals.
The games of Barcelona 1992, Atlanta 1996 and Sydney 2000 had a special place in the history of volleyball as well as in Mireya’s heart.
“To be in three Olympic Games and also winning medals was something extraordinary,” she remembered.
“The games of Barcelona were special, because it was my first time at that stage. It was beautiful because I debuted between 1982 and 1983 with the national team, but I couldn’t play because Cuba participated didn’t took part in 1984 nor 1988,” Luis added.
However the wait was worth it as great moments were reserved in her destiny.
The same experience was repeated in 2000, when it seemed that Cuba was relinquishing the throne against Russia in the final match.
“Many teams had a lot of chances to be champions at that time and we faced the Russians in the finals and we were down by two sets against them,” she recalled. “Everybody thought we would lose but we did not quit. In the end we won the next three sets and that sacrifice got its worth.”
“Sydney was my last chance to win another gold medal and 70 percent of the team members also were in Barcelona, so it was my biggest thrill and the most treasured memory,” she said
At the same time some members of the media asked about the absence of Cuba in the Games of London 2012.
“After 40 years of participation in the Olympic Games is very hard for us. The level of competition in other countries has increased and it is more difficult to qualify. We feel sorry about not being in London and I think Cuba will be missed,” Mireya remarked.
She added the Cuban Federation is currently working very hard to analyze the situation of volleyball in the country with a short and medium term project that can contribute to return the teams to the biggest stage.
“I am sure that effort and strategy will have big results and will help to be back in the Olympic Games of 2016, because the Cuban volleyball deserves it,” she concluded.
