Osleidys Menéndez

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.

statics
Full name: Osleidys Menéndez Sáez
Gender: Female
Height: 5'9" (175 cm)
Weight: 176 lbs (80 kg)
Born: November 14, 1979 in Martí, Matanzas, Cuba
Country: CUB Cuba
Sport: Athletics

Medals: 1 Gold, 1 Bronze (2 Total)

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.