We want to promote the great quality of athletics - and maintain it's integrity - all over the world.

The most important part of this is to prepare the athlete for life in general and then be able to compete.

Anyone who attempts anything original in the world must expect a bit of ridicule.

And then you have the responsibility and the duty of being good examples to youngsters, not smoke, training hard, go to bed early, don't drink alcohol, don't take drugs, it's very important to have a policy for educating against doping.

In Cuba we use our champions to promote the sport.

The medal is not for yourself. It couldn't be done without the support and help of my people, runners, and coaches

I got involved in athletics during physical education lessons at school.