If the 69 athletes who attended the Tokyo 2020 Olympics represented the smallest Cuban delegation since 1964, the upcoming event in Paris may set a new record. Currently, Cuba has only 46 qualified representatives, though additional qualifications are still possible.
According to José Antonio Miranda Carrera, General Director of High Performance at the Institute of Sports, Physical Education, and Recreation (INDER), in a special Mesa Redonda dedicated to the topic, the Cuban team is composed of 46 athletes across 14 sports. He acknowledged that this is “a smaller number than the delegation sent to Tokyo and the fourth smallest since the Cuban Revolution.”
However, he noted that until the end of the month, there are still opportunities for more athletes to qualify, mentioning that “15 athletes still have a chance to make it to Paris.” The main qualifying opportunities are in athletics, with additional chances in diving (1), swimming (2), and judo (4 athletes, two male and two female).
Regarding the recent defeat of the men's volleyball team, Miranda Carrera said it was “one of the goals we had set,” but despite a strong performance, the team did not secure a spot for Paris. “We all knew it was a very difficult qualification process, and achieving it would have put us over 70 athletes. Failing that, the delegation is expected to be between 60 and 61 athletes,” he added.
He also noted that various sports are undergoing different preparation stages abroad. “We have seen good results in athletics, table tennis, shooting, cycling, and boxing,” he assured. Miranda Carrera added that the athletes are in a positive emotional state and focused on their results.
Miranda Carrera advised fans not to expect significant results in the first week. “From August 2nd onward, the main opportunities will start to come in. For instance, Mijaín López's final is scheduled for August 6th.”
A recent wave of defections among Cuban athletes has cast a shadow over optimistic forecasts for local athletes' performances. In 2023 alone, the maximum number of athletes who left Cuba was 103. This list includes high-profile names like Olympic medalist Denia Caballero, who left the Cuban delegation during the Meeting Diputación de Castellón in Spain, and other less-recognized athletes who were emerging talents in sports such as baseball, hockey, and handball.
The XIX Pan American Games held in Santiago, Chile, last October also saw 13 athletes leaving the Cuban delegation, driven mainly by a lack of resources to practice their sports on the island and a lack of personal freedom, according to several members of the women's field hockey team. In Santiago, sports like basketball, field hockey, rowing, and athletics—highlighted by the defection of 400-meter hurdles bronze medalist Yoao Illas—contributed to the numbers, including the departure of blind swimmer Yunerki Ortega Ponce during the Parapan American Games.
Impact of Athlete Defections on Cuban Olympic Performance
The article highlights significant concerns regarding the impact of athlete defections on Cuba's performance in the upcoming Paris 2024 Olympics. Here are some frequently asked questions about the issue.
How many athletes has Cuba qualified for the Paris 2024 Olympics so far?
As of now, Cuba has 46 athletes qualified for the Paris 2024 Olympics.
What are the main sports where Cuba has potential qualifiers remaining?
The main sports with remaining qualification opportunities for Cuba are athletics, diving, swimming, and judo.
Why have many Cuban athletes defected recently?
Many Cuban athletes have defected due to a lack of resources to practice their sports in Cuba and a lack of personal freedom.
How many Cuban athletes defected during the XIX Pan American Games?
A total of 13 Cuban athletes defected during the XIX Pan American Games in Santiago, Chile.