General View of the World Athletics Gala (© Getty Images)
Dayron Robles received a top class present for his 21-year-old birthday as he was invited to join Triple Jump World champion Yargelis Savigne and two-time World champion Ana Fidelia Quirot at the World Athletics Gala in Monaco.
With his training well underway for the indoor season, the young Cuban prospect made a short pause to celebrate his birthday in Monte Carlo and update our readers for his online diary.
“Dear IAAF friends,
“Hi from Monaco. I just tuned 21 and what a present from the IAAF! I looked more like a fan with so many of the world's great starts assembled last weekend for the World Athletics Gala.
“I am very honoured to have been invited as a candidate for the Performance of the Year award.
“It was great experience, not only for me, but also for my compatriot and Triple Jump World champion Yargelis Savigne. Our great Ana Fidelia Quirot, winner of the Athlete of the Year Award in 1989 and IAAF Council Member Alberto Juantorena were also there.
“It was busy weekend attending different events in Monaco. I was lucky to meet and take photos with Carl Lewis, Mike Powell, Tyson Gay and many others.
“On Sunday, it was a Cuban night as our orchestra Aragon entertained the night and I could not help dancing.
“It was my second visit to Monaco as I raced and won the Super Grand Prix there in 2006.
“As soon as I arrived home, I resumed my training towards the indoor season with the World Championships in Valencia, Spain.
“In Havana, we are also happy to receive Brazil's Triple Jump World Championships silver medallist Jadel Gregorio, who will be training one week with our athletes.
“There is a great atmosphere at the Estadio Panamericano in Havana, where the Cuban national team trains. Everyone wants to go to Beijing and my coach aims to qualify four hurdlers, including (2000 Olympic champion) Anier Garcia, Yoel Hernandez and Anay Tejada.
“This is an Olympic year and every day counts. There is no time to lose, although we could take a short break for New Year's celebrations. My coach Santiago Antunez and I were invited to train in Martinique for one week.
“Off the track, I keep myself busy with my Physical Education studies and I also spend time with my girlfriend and my aunt in Havana. I am in frequent contact with my mom and other close relatives and friends in Guantanamo, my home town.
“That's all for now. When I write again to you, we'll know more details on my indoor calendar. Thanks for your support and let's stay in touch.
“Nos vemos (See you).”
Dayron
Click here to read Dayron's previous diary
