Four-times Olympic medalist (1992-bronze, 1996-gold, 2000-silver and 2004-bonze) and three-times world champion (1995, 1999 and 2007), the athlete from Guantanamo has been part of the national squad for 20 years, becoming an example for her teammates and a paradigm of judo worldwide.

Driulis has done it all; she commands respect in every competitive scenario while her efforts have now seen her inducted – as the only Latin American woman to date – into the Judo Hall of Fame; the second Cuban after Héctor Rodríguez received the recognition two years ago.

According to the athlete, her selection – based on yeas of hard work, results and dedication – represents one of the happiest moments of her career, stating, “But I won’t let the fame go to my head, I’ll continue to be the same Driulis as always, only a little more touched,” to journalist Joel García after the induction ceremony held in theAlauIce Palace, Astana, Kazakhstan, where the 2015World Judo Championships will be taking place, kicking off thisMonday, August24.

(Diario Granma)