“My Goal is to Break the World Record” — Marileidy Paulino
Olympic Champion Marileidy Paulino at Deporcuba podcast “Pidiendo Pista”
“I believe I was chosen for this”
Five Athletes below 49 Seconds
The women’s 400m has become one of the most exciting events in track and field with historic times and intense competition bringing new energy to the event. With five athletes running below 49 seconds, including Salwa Eid Naser, Nickisha Pryce, Sydney McLaughlin, Natalia Kaczmarek and herself, the 400m is being watched with the same intensity that was once reserved for the 100m.
“People feel similar excitement for the 400m as for the 100m now. I’m so happy that people are finally seeing the event this way.”
Marileidy Paulino vs Sydney McLaughlin at Meeting de Paris
Preparing for Rivals
Though Paulino’s last race at Athlos is just a month ago, she is already thinking about next season. “I’ve been working on my endurance for those last meters, where I sometimes lose a little speed,” she explained. The level of competition in her event adds to her motivation.
“Facing Sydney McLaughlin, Salwa Eid Naser or Femke Bol next season would be incredible — not just for us but for the fans”
Having signed with Michael Johnson’s Grand Slam Track alongside Sydney McLaughlin, track and field fans can expect duels between both athletes next season.
Marita Koch at “World Cup Finals” in Canberra, 1985
Breaking the World Record
As for her record-breaking ambitions, Paulino is setting the bar high. When asked about whether breaking Marita Koch's World Record (47.60s) is in reach, she responded:
“The World Record is my goal”
Paulino’s recent Diamond League title, Olympic Gold and the Olympic Record in 48.17 seconds have only sharpened her focus.
“I believe I was chosen for this. It’s something I’m working for every single day”
Yaseen Pérez Gómez and Marileidy Paulino
Cuban Coaching
Her coach Yaseen Pérez Gómez has been key along her journey to win Olympic Gold.
“When I came into his hands, I was running 100 and 200 metres. I remember I ran 13 seconds in the 100 metres and 25 in the 200. It was a total transformation. I came with nothing in the 400 and he has made me the number one in the world today and that is something significant. Apart from the talent, my work and the knowledge that he has, I have always said that Cuban coaches are one of the best in the world. They have great knowledge”
Based at Estadio Olimpico Felix Sanchez, Paulino trains in the Dominican capital with Pérez Gómez traveling between the Dominican Republic and Cuba. Right now, Paulino spends her post-Olympic break in Cuba, joined by friends, family and fellow athletes, enjoying some well-earned rest after a historic season.
As for what’s next, Paulino is ready to keep pushing boundaries, breaking records and making history in an event that now attracts worldwide attention.
“I’ll be back next season, and I believe the best is yet to come”
Watch the full interview at Deporcuba podcast “Pidiendo Pista” here! [Spanish]
Do you see Marileidy Paulino break the World Record one day? Let us know in the comments!
