A decade after leaving her family behind in search of better living conditions, Cuban judoka María Celia Laborde is set to fulfill one of her greatest dreams: competing in the Olympic Games. In Paris 2024, Laborde will strive for glory representing the United States, the country that has hosted her since 2014, when she decided to leave the Cuban delegation attending the Central American and Caribbean Games in Veracruz.
As she mentioned in an exclusive interview with Cibercuba exactly one month ago, the Guantánamo native was away from major competitions for nearly eight years. However, everything changed when she received her U.S. citizenship in 2022, and the results soon followed.
Her talent remained intact, and her determination was unwavering. With optimal training conditions, it took only a few months for her to achieve greatness under a new flag: in 2023, she became the first American judoka to win a medal at the Masters Worlds since 2016.
Such achievements were not new to her. She celebrated a bronze medal at the World Championships in Chelyabinsk, Russia, in 2014, and was part of the women's team that secured third place at the 2013 World Championships in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, always competing with the Cuban flag beside her name.
She also recalled that she was "practically qualified for the 2016 Olympic Games, ranking third in the world," but her "decision to stay" postponed those plans.
The debut under the Olympic rings signifies carrying a dream for many months and feeling time pass without crossing that unknown finish line. However, as a true warrior, María Celia embraced the gift of perseverance. She is now in France, focused on her first match on July 27 at the Arena Campo de Marte.
Weighing in at 48 kilograms and with 33 years of life experience documented for the Organizing Committee, Laborde is determined to maximize a story filled with optimism and patience. Brimming with pride, she joins a group of 21 Cuban athletes competing under different flags at the world's most important multi-sport event.
María Celia Laborde's Olympic Dream
This section addresses some common questions and provides answers regarding María Celia Laborde's journey to the Paris 2024 Olympics and her experiences.
Why did María Celia Laborde leave Cuba?
Laborde left Cuba in 2014 seeking better living conditions and opportunities to advance her judo career in the United States.
When did María Celia Laborde receive her U.S. citizenship?
She received her U.S. citizenship in 2022, which allowed her to compete internationally for the United States.
What significant achievement did María Celia Laborde accomplish in 2023?
In 2023, she became the first American judoka to win a medal at the Masters Worlds since 2016.