Cuban Judoka María Celia Laborde Aims for Olympic Glory Representing the USA

As the Paris Olympics approach, the excitement among Cuban fans is palpable, with anticipation building for athletes competing either under the Cuban flag or for other nations where they’ve sought better futures. Today, we sit down with the petite yet tenacious María Celia Laborde, who will represent the United States in the 48 kg judo tournament.

Why did you decide to stay in Mexico in 2014 when you were the top athlete heading to the 2016 Rio Olympics?

I left the Cuban delegation in Veracruz, Mexico in 2014. It was a bittersweet moment, but I made the decision seeking a better future. At that time, I was practically qualified for the 2016 Olympics, ranking third in the world. My decision to stay came while competing in the Central American and Caribbean Games in Veracruz. After winning my gold medal, I took a plane to the Reynosa airport and then a bus to the border, where I sought political asylum. Despite being on track for Rio 2016, I knew that staying in Cuba meant sacrificing my freedom and dreams as an athlete and a human being.

Training and Preparation for Paris

Where do you train, who is your coach, and how do you see your chances for Paris?

My coach is the Peruvian-American Johnny Prado; I train at the Kitsusai National Center in Coral Springs, Florida. The U.S. team’s prospects for Paris are very promising; we have highly qualified athletes with excellent preparation. I've been working hard with my sights set on Paris, and I hope to justify all the effort put into my training.

Can you tell us about your early years in Guantánamo?

I started judo at the age of 11 in Guantánamo. My first formal coach was Yonaisa Pérez León. Later, I trained at EIDE with Yonaisa and coach Guillermo Fernández. At ESPA, I was a student of Roberto Álvarez, Jorge, and Leonardo.

How did you reach elite performance, and how long were you on the national team?

Seven years. I joined the Cerro Pelado after winning a bronze medal in the National Youth Games and several national events in different categories, including an international event. I was scouted by Professor Javier Rodríguez with approval from Ronaldo Veitia, the head coach. I spent seven years there (2009-2014).

Do you have any memorable anecdotes from that period?

Yes, many. One of the most memorable is from the 2013 World Championships in Rio, Brazil. We faced incredibly tough opponents in the team event. Initially, we were discouraged, but as the competition progressed, we gained confidence, united as a team, and ultimately won the bronze medal against South Korea. That day, we celebrated like never before, with the Brazilian crowd cheering "Cuba, Cuba." It’s a moment I'll never forget—it showed the power of unity and overcoming mental barriers.

María Celia Laborde won bronze medals at the 2014 World Championships in Chelyabinsk, Russia, and due to a doping disqualification of a rival, also at the 2013 World Championships in Rio. She was third at the Pan American Games in Santiago, Chile, and has reached the podium at three Pan American Championships, earning one gold and two bronze medals.

Facing the Competition

Who are your main rivals globally?

There are several: the Japanese Tsunoda Natsumi and the French Boukli Shirine are outstanding. For Paris, the toughest opponents will be the Italian Scutto Assunta, the current world runner-up and world number one, the Mongolian Bavuudorj Baasankhuu, the reigning world champion and world number two, and the Kazakh Abuzhakyniova Abiba, ranked third in the world.

Have you added any new techniques to your repertoire?

Yes, diversifying is key. I've incorporated the Kata Guruma, the Ouchi Gari, and the Ippon Seo Nage, from both sides. As you can see, I've expanded my combat arsenal.

You've been in the U.S. for 10 years and are qualified for Paris. How have things worked out for you in America?

I've been living in the United States for nine years and will complete ten on November 28. I've been competing for the U.S. since 2022 with great success: Pan American medals, both in sport championships and multi-sport games, Grand Prix tournaments, multiple gold medals in continental opens, and my most significant result, the silver medal at the World Championships Master.

What does it mean to be the first American medalist at a World Championships Master since 2016?

It was an immense joy to give such a significant victory to the nation that welcomed me with open arms. The U.S. hadn’t won a medal at an event of such magnitude, the World Championships Master, since 2016, where only the top 20 judokas in the world compete. This event took place in Budapest, Hungary, in August 2023. I lost in the final to the Japanese Koga Wakana after defeating the Serbian Nikolic Milica, ranked sixth, in the semifinals.

Challenges and Triumphs

I've heard you were often overlooked by Veitia. How was your relationship with him?

Everyone knew Dayaris Mestre was Veitia’s favorite, but my hard work, sacrifice, perseverance, and discipline eventually earned me his recognition. He made me the top athlete in the 48 kg division. Veitia was tough on all of us, but it made me stronger and shaped me into the athlete I am today.

For the first time under Veitia’s leadership, the men seem to have better prospects than the women at the Olympics. How do you see Cuban judo in Paris, and can Cuba finish among the top 20 countries?

I believe every Cuban athlete who qualified for the Olympics has a chance at a medal. They just need to stay focused, internalize it, and train hard. As for the overall ranking, Cuba has always been a powerhouse, although the level has dropped slightly due to limited resources for daily preparation. Despite this, I've never seen a Cuban athlete give up; they always fight with what they have. I think they have a good chance of finishing among the top 20 countries.

Do you live alone or with family in the United States?

I brought my sister and cousin to live with me; I used to be alone here, but fortunately, I now have company. My father and grandmother are still in Cuba, and after Paris, I plan to visit them after nine years apart.

Any wishes for Cuban athletes in Paris?

To all Cuban athletes, without exception, I wish you good luck. A Cuban is always Cuban. Although I compete under another flag, I remain Cuban. Best of luck to everyone—see you in Paris!