Prensa Latina’s esteemed annual sports survey has garnered significant participation from media organizations across Latin America, with the submission deadline set for December 22. The prestigious poll has already attracted entries from nearly 50 national and international media outlets representing multiple countries including Ecuador, Dominican Republic, Argentina, Brazil, Chile, El Salvador, Nicaragua, Panama, Mexico, Uruguay, and Venezuela.
Ecuadorian javelin world champion Juleisy Angulo has emerged as a notable contender, receiving four votes from Radio Pichincha’s endorsement. Her performance places her third in the women’s category, trailing behind Cuban triple jumper Leyanis Pérez who leads with 30 votes, and Mexican athlete Andrea Becerra who holds second place with five votes.
Dominican media outlet Vanguardia del Pueblo has highlighted several national athletes in their submissions. Sprinter Marileidy Paulino has garnered two votes, while Major League Baseball star Vladimir Guerrero and the baseball team Águilas Cibaeñas have received their inaugural votes in the poll.
This year’s edition carries special historical significance as it honors two legendary figures in Latin American sports history. The poll is dedicated to commemorate the 100th birthday anniversary of Cuban revolutionary leader Fidel Castro, recognized as the architect of Cuba’s sports movement, and the fifth death anniversary of Argentine soccer icon Diego Armando Maradona, who won the Sports Poll in 1986 following his World Cup triumph.
The Prensa Latina Sports Poll maintains a rich tradition dating back to 1964 when Cuban sprinter Enrique Figuerola became its first recipient. The awards have evolved significantly over decades, with the Best Team of the Year category introduced in 1980 and gender-separated voting implemented in 1988 to ensure equitable recognition for male and female athletes.