Manuel Robles Sosa Lima, Aug 23 (Prensa Latina) The Cuban para-athlete laureate, Omara Durand, known as the fastest in the world, left her mark for posterity in the athletic stadium of the Peruvian capital, where the Para-Pan American Games are taking place.

The multiple Paralympic and Pan American champion received an exceptional tribute in the stadium of the National Sports Village (Videna), where she imprinted both her hands on a cement block.

The block will be next to a plaque reminiscent of the visit of 'the fastest Paralympic woman in the world', as the recorded inscription says; honor which has only been granted before to Usain Bolt, Jamaican star of speed, on his recent visit to Lima.

The exceptional athlete, who will compete in the 100, 200 and 400 flat meters, shed tears of emotion for the tribute, amid the applause of the attendees.

'I have never expected this to be so beautiful, it has been a very nice surprise, a moment that I enjoyed very much,' said Omara, thanking the president of the Organizing Committee of the Para-Pan American Games, Carlos Neuhaus, who highlighted her virtues.

With humility, she said her sport achievements are not only personal, since there are many people involved, such as her coach, Miriam Ferrer, and her guide, Yuniol Kindelán, the Cuban Paralympic Committee and the government of her country.

'I can't fail to mention, as I do everywhere I am, the Cuban revolution that has driven all Cuban athletes,' she added.

For his part, Carlos Neuhaus said he hoped that the Cuban para-athlete could beat more records here in Lima.

'Like Usain Bolt, you will leave your mark on our stadium. We are happy to receive the best athletes in America, like Omara,' he added.

The president of the International Paralympic Committee, Andrew Parsons, highlighted the qualities of Omara and her example for youth as an athlete, as Cuban and as Latin American and expressed full confidence that in Lima she will win three gold medals.

'We hope that your presence will change the way Peruvians perceive people with disabilities. She is going to show them that she is capable of anything, just like other people with disabilities,' he added.

The head of the Paralympic Committee of the Americas, Julio César Ávila, considered it a pride to pay tribute to Omara Durand and highlight everything she has done for the Paralympic sports.

The president of the Paralympic Association of Peru, Luisa Villar, emphasized the message of equality and inclusion that comes with the fact that homage has been paid to Omara and before Usain Bolt.