Yulimar Rojas and Ronald Acuña Jr. They were the clear dominators of their respective disciplines; that among the Venezuelans, during the year 2023. Their achievements resonated so much that they led them to be awarded this Thursday as the Athletes of the Year of the Circle of Sports Journalists (CPD) in its 80th award.
Read also: Yulimar Rojas gave joy through her Foundation
This edition was historic, as the distinctions of Professional and Amateur Athletes were left behind and it was decided to categorize athletes by gender. "The Queen of the Triple Jump" made history then by being the first woman to obtain the award in her respective branch, accumulating 880 points (77 votes for 1st place, 15 for 2nd and one for third) from the country's accredited sports journalists.
It should be noted that the tall Olympic and world record holder defeated long-distance runner Joselyn Brea and karate fighter Yorgelis Salazar in the vote.
Now, Ronald Acuña Jr. was awarded the distinction in the male branch, by totaling 81 votes for first place, eight for second and one for fourth and fifth, thus accumulating 873 units, to displace the also big league in the voting Luis Arráez and the Zuliano rider, Javier Castellano.
However, with her seventh Athlete of the Year award, Yulimar Rojas equals the haul of Don Luis Aparicio, while Ronald Acuña Jr. takes home his third statuette, joining the number of Alfonso "Chico" Carrasquel, Antonio Armas and swimmer Albert Subirats.
These were the other winners
- Sports Entity of the Year: Venezuelan Weightlifting Federation (FEVEPESAS)
- Leader of the Year: Luis Seijas (FEVEPESAS President)
- Professional Team of the Year: Deportivo Táchira (FUTVE)
- Selection of the Year: «La Vinotinto»
- Coach of the Year: Fernando "Bocha" Batista
Special remarks
- Greater Caracas Caribbean Series 2023
- Paralympic athletes:
Naibys Morillo (Gold in Javelin Throw)
Edwards Varela (Gold in Discus Throw)
Yomaira Cohen (Gold in Shot Put)
Clara Fuentes (Gold in Weightlifting)
It should be noted that the four Paralympic athletes mentioned above obtained Parapan American records in their respective events during the Santiago 2023 games.
