With an extensive record in regional and global competitions, Cuban wrestler Yasmani Acosta has become one of the leading figures in Chile's delegation to Paris 2024. He has openly expressed his desire to be the flag bearer for the team in the upcoming Olympic Games. In an interview with the digital platform latercera.com, the athlete candidly shared that while the idea excites him, he finds it challenging to achieve his dream due to the prevalent xenophobia in the country.
"It excites me a lot, but I've always had my doubts. Many people love migrants, but with the recent migration issues, there's also a lot of xenophobia," said Acosta, who is originally from Santiago de Cuba. He added, "People are smart and can tell the difference between good and bad immigrants, but I still feel that xenophobia exists. Some people don't say it openly because they fear public opinion."
Acosta continued, "I might have this perception; maybe it's right, maybe it's not, but I would love to be the flag bearer. I also know that in the eyes of others, I am still a migrant. In such an important event, a milestone for Chile, I hope they consider how it should be."
"If it's not me, but another immigrant, it would still be good because, in the end, you're giving a push, making it visible. Major powers have many migrants," remarked the bronze medalist at the Pan American Games in Santiago de Chile 2023. "Are you going to tell me that France won a World Cup with only French players? Are you going to tell me that Americans don't naturalize Jamaicans? If major powers do it, why shouldn't we, who are still developing? You have to embrace it, say, 'You used to be Haitian? It doesn't matter now; you're Chilean, you're competing for Chile, and I love you like anyone else.' I think it would be beautiful because these are people who will contribute," commented the celebrated athlete.
Yasmani Acosta is one of the top competitors in his category worldwide, noted for achieving fourth place in the Tokyo 2020 Olympics in the 130-kilogram category. In 2015, during the Pan American Championship in Santiago de Chile, he decided not to return to Cuba. This decision led him to work as a security guard for two years, a period during which he did not train and was in the process of obtaining competition permits.
Once he obtained the necessary permits in 2017, Acosta resumed his athletic career, training at the Olympic Center of Chile. In his first year representing the South American nation, Acosta won a silver medal at the Pan American Championship in his sport and a bronze at the world tournament. The year 2018 was another significant milestone for him as he received Chilean citizenship, secured a bronze medal at the Pan American Championships, won gold at the South American Games, and placed eighth in the global competition.
The year 2019 saw him add another bronze at the Pan American Championships, and he shone in various European Grand Prix events. Additionally, he won gold at the 2020 Pan American Championship, securing his spot in the postponed Tokyo 2020 Olympics, where he narrowly missed the podium, finishing in fourth place.
Yasmani Acosta and Chile's Olympic Aspirations
This section provides answers to common questions about Yasmani Acosta's journey and his aspirations for the Paris 2024 Olympics.
Why does Yasmani Acosta want to be the flag bearer for Chile in Paris 2024?
Yasmani Acosta wants to be the flag bearer for Chile to highlight the contributions of migrants and to serve as a symbol of unity and acceptance in the country.
What challenges does Yasmani Acosta face in becoming the flag bearer?
Acosta faces challenges due to xenophobia in Chile, where some people might not openly support a migrant being the flag bearer.
How has Yasmani Acosta performed in international competitions?
Acosta has had a successful career, including a fourth-place finish at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics and multiple medals in Pan American and global competitions.