With the celebrated wrestler Mijaín López leading the charge, Cuba aims to secure five gold medals at the Paris 2024 Olympics and finish among the top 25 nations in the final standings.
In a press conference held at the Coliseo de la Ciudad Deportiva in Havana, José Antonio Miranda, Director of High Performance at the National Institute of Sports, Physical Education, and Recreation (INDER), stated, "We have conducted thorough analyses and are confident that these goals can be achieved."
According to JIT, the official website of INDER, Miranda remarked that "the greatest responsibility for winning medals rests on 19 athletes." Among them are Olympic champions such as the aforementioned López, boxers Julio César La Cruz and Arlen López, judoka Idalys Ortiz, and shooter Leuris Pupo. "They hold the highest potential, and that's why they have received special attention," added Miranda regarding a delegation expected to comprise around 75 athletes across more than 10 sports.
Currently, the nation has 37 athletes qualified for the Olympic event, scheduled from July 26 to August 11. However, this number is expected to grow as there are 44 more contenders with chances in disciplines such as athletics, boxing, judo, swimming, and both indoor and beach volleyball.
The latest athlete to secure a ticket was table tennis player Andy Pereira, who achieved his goal at the continental qualifier held at the Videna National Sports Village in Lima, Peru. In the final of his elimination series, the 2023 Pan American Games individual silver medalist defeated Ecuadorian Alberto Miño 4-2 (11-9, 2-11, 6-11, 11-9, 14-12, and 11-7), ensuring his third Olympic appearance after competing in London 2012 and Rio de Janeiro 2016.
However, fellow Cubans Fernando Dayán Jorge (canoeing) and Ramiro Mora Romero (weightlifting) were selected to join the refugee team for Paris 2024, following the International Olympic Committee's review. Jorge began competing internationally in 2015, finished sixth in his first Olympics in Rio 2016, but reached the pinnacle by winning gold in the men's C-2 1000 meters at Tokyo 2020 alongside compatriot Serguei Torres.
Jorge left a training base in Mexico in March 2022, a move mirrored by his kayaking teammate Fidel Vargas. Within two weeks, both athletes successfully crossed the border into the United States. Mora, on the other hand, holds multiple records in the 89 and 96-kilogram weight categories.
Three years ago, during the Tokyo 2020 program, Cuba finished 14th in the standings, with a tally of seven golds, three silvers, and five bronzes.
As for the Paralympic Games in Paris, set from August 28 to September 8, Cuba currently has eight athletes qualified, though the final number is expected to be around 30. Athletes Omara Durand and Yankiel del Sol are among the most notable names in the delegation.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cuba's Participation in Paris 2024 Olympics
To provide more insights into Cuba's goals and preparations for the Paris 2024 Olympics, here are some frequently asked questions and their answers:
Who is leading Cuba's delegation at the Paris 2024 Olympics?
Mijaín López, a celebrated wrestler, is leading Cuba's delegation at the Paris 2024 Olympics.
How many athletes has Cuba qualified for Paris 2024 so far?
Cuba has qualified 37 athletes for the Paris 2024 Olympics, with the number expected to increase as more athletes qualify in various disciplines.
What are Cuba's medal goals for the Paris 2024 Olympics?
Cuba aims to secure five gold medals and finish among the top 25 nations in the final standings at the Paris 2024 Olympics.
Who are some notable Cuban athletes to watch at Paris 2024?
Notable Cuban athletes to watch include wrestlers Mijaín López, boxers Julio César La Cruz and Arlen López, judoka Idalys Ortiz, and shooter Leuris Pupo.