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Dominican Olympic 400m champion is set to visit Cuba for a two-week break after her historic season.
Olympics 400m champion Marileidy Paulino of the Dominican Republic is heading to Cuba for a relaxing vacation after her historic and highly successful 2024 athletics season.
The sprinter, who dazzled the world with her record-breaking performances, is taking some much-needed time off to unwind and enjoy the beautiful Cuban beaches alongside her family.
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Paulino’s trainer, Cuban coach Yaseen Pérez Gómez, confirmed the upcoming trip, explaining that the visit is purely for leisure.
"We will be on vacation for almost two weeks. To distract ourselves and enjoy the beaches with the family, after Marileidy's best season,” Pérez told Radio Habana Cuba.
This break marks a rare period of rest for the 400 meters queen, who has been on an unstoppable journey through the world of athletics.
"We will not have a training base like other times," added Pérez, signaling that this trip will focus entirely on relaxation rather than any athletic preparation.
Paulino, who hails from Nizao in the Dominican Republic, has visited Cuba several times throughout her career.
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This time, however, the visit is solely for personal enjoyment, providing a chance for her to recharge after a grueling yet triumphant year on the track.
The 27-year-old sprinter solidified her place in history in 2024, becoming the first Dominican woman to win an Olympic gold medal.
She reigned supreme in the 400 meters with a stunning Olympic record of 48.17 seconds.
On top of her Olympic glory, Paulino dominated every major competition she entered, including the prestigious Diamond League.
It was undoubtedly her best season to date, making her decision to take a well-earned break all the more understandable.
Paulino’s journey to success has not been short of accolades.
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Back at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, she claimed two silver medals — one in the 400 meters and another in the mixed 4x400 relay.
Her consistency on the world stage continued in 2022 when she secured gold in the mixed relay and silver in the individual 400 meters at the World Championships in Oregon.
A year later, at the 2023 World Championships in Budapest, Paulino completed her crowning achievement by winning the 400 meters title.
Given her meteoric rise in the athletics world, Paulino has become a celebrated figure not only in the Dominican Republic but also across the global sports community.
However, her ties to Cuba run deep. Over the years, she has developed a close bond with Cuban athletes, particularly four-time Olympic semi-distance runner Rose Mary Almanza.
These friendships, along with her professional relationship with coach Yaseen Pérez, make Cuba a special place for the Dominican star.
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Despite her success, Paulino remains grounded and committed to her work ethic.
Her decision to visit Cuba without engaging in any formal training is a sign of how seriously she values recovery and balance in her life.
"We’re just going to relax," said Pérez, reiterating that this trip is all about family and fun.
After months of intense training, competition and global travel, Paulino’s Cuban vacation offers the perfect escape.
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