‘High jumpers today don’t think big’

Javier Sotomayor Sanabria (born October 13, 1967) is a Cuban national hero and one of the last of the champion amateurs, a product of Cuba's well-oiled socialist sports machine. A world record holding athlete, he has, so far, been the only high-jumper to cross the eight ft mark (8 ft 1/2 inch in 1993). Sotomayor was in Delhi recently to promote the Vodafone marathon. In an exclusive interview to Akash Bisht, he speaks about Cuba's sports culture, the state of athletics today and his experience in India.

How are sport heroes seen by the ordinary people in Cuba?

Athletes and other sports stars are highly respected and recognised by the people and government. They are treated as ambassadors of goodwill and the spirit of the game.

Why do you think no one has been able to break your world record till date?

There are many high jumpers with good composure and skills but they lack the mental toughness to raise competition standards. When I was at the peak of my career, I had good competition from other high jumpers who were both physically and mentally tough. These days, high jumpers don't think big and have a mental block of not trying to reach greater heights.

Why do you think Cuba is able to produce so many great athletes?

First of all, I would like to thank the Cuban government for all its efforts. Sports is an integral part of our culture and society, and that is what encourages budding sportspersons.

In Cuba, we have a pyramid-like approach to groom young talent, starting from the school level to state level and then eventually to the international level. This approach helps in bringing out the best talent as opportunities narrow down with increase in competition. The government tries its best to bring out the best out of all sportspersons.

You are also the manager of the Cuban track and field events. What do you think are Cuba's prospects in the 2008 Beijing Olympics?

We have young and good talent lined up for the Beijing Olympics and our expectations are high. I think we will finish in the top ten in the total medals tally. We are expecting at least four golds in boxing. We are also expecting medals in judo, weightlifting, baseball, athletics, volleyball and taekwondo.

What's your take on doping, especially after Marion Jones' disclosure that she took steroids before the 2007 Sydney Olympics?

Doping is not a recent development and has been around for a long time. Marion's is just yet another scandal. Sports has become so commercial that sportspersons fall in the trap without even realising that they are shortening their careers and killing the spirit of the game. International federations are now more vigilant and sportspersons and coaches are more cautious and sincere in order to maintain the true spirit of game.

Why is it that even with a population well above one billion, India is not able to mark her presence in sports?

India has the people who can facilitate sports. Economically too, the country is strong. The only thing that is lacking is a professional approach and lack of government support.

Is it nature or nurture that brings out sport heroes?

Both are important. No matter how much training I get in swimming, I cannot become a champion swimmer. One also needs to have natural talent that can be nurtured and honed. Obviously, one needs the right physique, but a lot depends on training and how sportspersons are groomed.

What has your experience in India been like?

Whatever I have read and heard about India from friends in Cuba is true. I am happy at the way Indians have treated me and it has been a memorable experience for me. People are really caring and have lots of love and respect for others.