A total of 21 Cuban athletes will represent other delegations at the 2024 Paris Olympics, a figure that underscores the relentless exodus of sports talent from the island in recent years. Ultimately, thirteen nations benefit from the skills of Cuban-born athletes, while two competitors have been selected to join the Refugee Team: canoeist Fernando Dayán Jorge and weightlifter Ramiro Mora.
Spain will field three standout athletes aiming for medals. These include triple jumper Jordan Díaz, javelin thrower Yulenmis Aguilar, and boxer Enmanuel Reyes, who may once again face off against star Julio César la Cruz in a bid for "revenge" after his defeat at Tokyo 2020.
Turkey, Puerto Rico, Italy, and Chile each have two Cuban athletes on their rosters. Azerbaijan, Belgium, Bulgaria, Brazil, Canada, the United States, Poland, and Portugal each have one. Regarding sports disciplines, athletics (4), boxing (3), wrestling (3), volleyball (3), and judo (2) are the most represented. Track and field events capture headlines thanks to the potential of athletes like triple jumpers Pedro Pablo Pichardo (Portugal) and Andy Díaz (Italy). In fact, there is a high likelihood that they and Jordan Díaz will make it to the podium, based on their recent performances on major stages. However, veteran hurdler Yasmani Copello (Turkey) has slim chances.
Team Sports and Combat Events
In team sports, indoor volleyball—absent from Cuba's main selections—steals the spotlight with a trio of high-caliber players: Wilfredo León (Poland), Yoandy Leal (Brazil), and Melissa Vargas (Turkey).
Combat sports also remain prominent. Wrestling will feature freestyle wrestler Frank Chamizo (Italy), a multi-awarded athlete on the world stage, along with Greco-Roman wrestlers Yasmani Acosta and Néstor Almanza Jr., both competing for Chile.
Boxing could also produce notable performances, with Javier Ibáñez (Bulgaria), the aforementioned Enmanuel Reyes, and Loren Berto Alfonso (Azerbaijan), all former members of the prestigious Cuban Boxing School.
In judo, María Celia Laborde (United States) and Ana Laura Portuondo-Isasi (Canada) will battle on the tatamis at the Arena Campo de Marte, the event's venue. It's worth noting that Cuba did not qualify any fencers, but naturalized Belgian Neisser Loyola will compete in the individual épée event. Similarly, basketball player Ismael Romero and sailor Pedro Luis Fernández Jr. are part of the Puerto Rican delegation.
In contrast, Cuba will present its smallest group since Tokyo 1964, with only 62 athletes, although it aims for five titles and hopes to rank among the top 20 nations overall, according to officials from the National Institute of Sports, Physical Education, and Recreation (INDER).
The 2024 Paris Olympics will take place from July 26 to August 11, featuring about 10,500 athletes—a smaller number than the previous edition—from over 200 National Olympic Committees.
FAQs About Cuban Athletes at Paris 2024 Olympics
In light of the significant representation of Cuban athletes competing for other nations at the Paris 2024 Olympics, here are some frequently asked questions to provide more insights.
How many Cuban athletes will compete for other nations at the Paris 2024 Olympics?
A total of 21 Cuban athletes will represent other delegations at the 2024 Paris Olympics.
Which sports have the highest representation of Cuban athletes at the Paris 2024 Olympics?
Athletics, boxing, wrestling, volleyball, and judo have the highest representation of Cuban athletes at the Paris 2024 Olympics.
Which notable Cuban athletes will compete for Spain at the Paris 2024 Olympics?
Notable Cuban athletes competing for Spain include triple jumper Jordan Díaz, javelin thrower Yulenmis Aguilar, and boxer Enmanuel Reyes.
What is the size of Cuba's delegation at the Paris 2024 Olympics?
Cuba will present its smallest group since Tokyo 1964, with only 62 athletes.