Magalys_Carvajal
Magaly Carvajal
Cuban volleyball player
Magalys Carvajal Rivera (born 18 December 1968), more commonly known as Magaly Carvajal, is a retired Cuban volleyball player and two-time Olympian. As a middle blocker, she led Cuba to gold medals in the 1992 Summer Olympics in Barcelona and 1996 Summer Olympics in Atlanta.[1][2]
Carvajal also helped Cuba win the silver medal in the 1986 FIVB World Championship in Czechoslovakia and the gold medal in the 1994 FIVB World Championship in Brazil.[2] Additionally, she won gold medals in the 1989, 1991, and 1995 FIVB World Cups in Japan.[2]
Carvajal participated in the 1987 Pan American Games in Indianapolis, the 1991 Pan American Games in Havana, and the 1995 Pan American Games in Mar del Plata, winning a gold medal in each event.[3]
Carvajal is widely regarded as one of the greatest middle blockers of all time, standing at 1.90 meters (6'3") tall.[2] She was known for shutting down the greatest hitters in the world.[4] Her vertical jump reach of 3.35 meters (11') was rivaled only by teammate Mireya Luis.[2] Her stare was known to intimidate players at the net, and has been called by many of her peers "the look of death".[2] As a starter for the Cuban national team, she was also an effective hitter.[2]
In 2011, Carvajal was inducted into the International Volleyball Hall of Fame.[2][5]