Due to a serious knee injury she sustained last year while playing in the Russian League, doctors advised Yumi that it’s best she stops playing because her knee is no longer capable of playing high level volleyball. If she continues, then she’d suffer the same surgery.
So at 37 years old, one of our favorite Cuban players of all time has RETIRED from the sport.
The 2 time Olympic gold medalist can now focus more on her job as a member of the International Olympic Committee.
Yumi, this news makes us sad BUT we wish you all the BEST in life!
Thank you so much for all the volleyball memories you have shared to us!
<3
Medal Record With The Cuban National Team:
Olympics
1996 Gold
2000 Gold
2004 Bronze
World Championship
1998 Gold
World Cup
1999 Gold
World Grand Champions Cup
1997 Silver
World Grand Prix
1997 Silver
1998 Bronze
2000 Gold
2008 Silver
Pan American Games
2003 Silver
2007 Gold
NORCECA Championship
Individual Awards:
2002 Pan-American Cup “Most Valuable Player”
2002 World Championship “Best Scorer”
2003 NORCECA Championship “Most Valuable Player”
2004 FIVB World Grand Prix “Best Spiker”
2005 Pan-American Cup “Best Spiker”
2004/2005 Russian Super League “Most Valuable Player”
(image: FIVB)