Osleidys Menéndez

This name uses Spanish naming customs; the first or paternal family name is Menéndez and the second or maternal family name is Sáez.

Osleidys Menéndez

Personal information
Born	November 14, 1979
Medal record Women’s Athletics Competitor for Cuba Olympic Games Gold 2004 Athens Javelin Bronze 2000 Sydney Javelin World Championships Gold 2001 Edmonton Javelin Gold 2005 Helsinki Javelin Pan American Games Gold 1999 Winnipeg Javelin Gold 2007 Rio de Janeiro Javelin Bronze 2003 Santo Domingo Javelin Universiade Gold 2001 Beijing Javelin

Osleidys Menéndez Sáez (born November 14, 1979 in Martí) is a Cuban athlete competing in the javelin throw. She is a former Olympic champion, world champion, and world record holder. She has been described as the female "Jan Železný" of her times.

When winning the 2005 World Athletics Championships, Menéndez broke her own world record with a throw of 71.70 m. This record was broken by Olympic champion Barbora Špotáková in September 2008 with a throw of 72.28 m.

She was coached by former javelin thrower Dionisio Quintana. Under his guidance, Menéndez developed a successful career spanning thirteen years. Quintana threw the javelin competitively (1971 to 1987) with a 84.35 metres personal best (old model).

Achievements

• 2005 World Championships in Athletics - gold medal (world record 71.70 m)
• 2004 Olympic Games - gold medal
• 2nd World Athletics Final - first place
• 2003 World Championships in Athletics - fifth place
• 2001 World Championships in Athletics - gold medal
• 2000 Olympic Games - bronze medal
• 1999 World Championships in Athletics - fourth place

In Sept 2009, her 2004 Athens Gold Medal was placed for auction on eBay ($50,000 buy it now, auction #140343888990). Circumstances leading to the auction were not disclosed in the auction listing, but the location of the sale was shown as Hawaii.

In July 2011, her 2004 Athens Gold Medal was placed on eBay for auction a second time (item #120746468699 Item location: San Antonio, TX, United States) with a "Buy It Now" price of $30,000.00 USD. Once again, circumstances leading to the auction were not disclosed.

External links

• IAAF profile for Osleidys Menéndez

Sporting positions
Preceded by Trine Hattestad	Women's Javelin Best Year Performance 2001	Succeeded by Miréla Manjani
Preceded by Miréla Manjani	Women's Javelin Best Year Performance 2004 – 2005	Succeeded by Christina Obergföll