Yania Aguirre, Pan-American champion of tae kwon do. Photo: Cubahora

Relentless in her attacks as a good warrior, Cuban tae kwon do athlete Yania Aguirre touched glory on July 20 in the 17th Pan-American Games in Toronto, Canada, a victory she especially dedicated to her mother and trainers.

I’m super excited. I think it is not only my achievement, but the achievement of every trainer that has contributed to this performance of mine. It is a victory for the tae kwon do family in Cuba, highlighted Aguirre on Sunday in her statements to the press, ACN reported.

She added that while receiving her gold medal she thought of her mother, who before coming to Toronto told her: “I want to see you up there on the podium,” and I could make that wish come true, she expressed naturally after sensationally defeating Mexican Itzel Manjarrez 10-9 in the 49 kg. finals.

I’d like to thank my trainer, Ramon Arias, and the entire group that made winning this gold medal possible, said Aguirre at the Mississauga Sports Center.

In her path to winning the title, Aguirre successfully beat Venezuelan Virginia Dellan 9-7 and then defeated Brazilian Iris Silva 6-5; and in semifinals she won against Guatemalan Elizabeth Zamora 17-5.