The Cuban duo of Jorge L. Alayo and Noslen Díaz commenced their Paris 2024 Olympic journey with a resounding victory over the United States in beach volleyball. "It was a significant win. We've come here to show why we belong," Alayo remarked after the conclusion of their first match, as cited by the state-run Cuban newspaper, Granma.
The Cuban pair initially trailed on the scoreboard in the first set, but at 16-11, they opted to change their strategy. "We decided to switch to a more basic game, which ensured we kept control of the ball without taking unnecessary risks. This allowed us to dominate the match and gradually incorporate more complex plays," Díaz elaborated.
The Cuban team went up against the American pair of Miles Partain and Andrew Benesh, who had been undefeated by the Caribbean duo all season. However, Alayo and Díaz overcame them at this critical juncture.
Scoring eight consecutive points, the Cubans established a decisive 19-11 lead, making the set's closure relatively straightforward with a 21-18 finish. In the second set, Noslen’s effective serving and defensive positioning, combined with Alayo’s excellent net play, amplified their dominance, concluding the set with another 21-18 victory.
The match took place near the Eiffel Tower in a stadium filled with supporters who acknowledged their remarkable ascent of 15 places in the world rankings over the past year to secure an Olympic spot. Brazil is their next challenge, and the Cubans intend to approach it "with a cool head," they stated.
"We'll reflect on what we did well and what didn't go as planned because it's essential to analyze any result, win or lose. Then, we'll study the Brazilian team, whom we know very well," they added.
Other Cuban Athletes' Performances
In the morning session of this Saturday, Reidys Cardona competed in the single scull rowing event, finishing third in his heat and advancing to the quarterfinals.
However, his teammates, Yariulvis Cova and pistol shooter Laina Pere, did not advance to the second round of their respective competitions.
The Paris 2024 Olympic Games officially opened the previous evening in the French capital, which transformed into an open-air stadium and theater for an incredible spectacle. The opening ceremony, described as ambitious, historic, and spectacular, marked a milestone as the first to be held outside of a traditional stadium.
Among the participants was Cuban canoeist Fernando Dayán Jorge, who will compete for the Refugee Olympic Team despite the Cuban regime’s demands for his immediate expulsion.
A total of 21 Cuban athletes are representing other delegations in the Games, highlighting the ongoing exodus of athletes in recent years.
Boxer Julio César La Cruz had the honor of carrying Cuba's national flag during the opening ceremony of the Paris 2024 Olympics, replacing wrestler Mijaín López, who had previously served as the flag bearer, according to the official newspaper Adelante.
More than 10,500 athletes from 206 countries are expected to participate in the sporting event, featuring over 300 events across 32 sports, as reported by Infobae.
Cuban Athletes at the Paris 2024 Olympics
Here are some frequently asked questions and answers about Cuban athletes' participation in the Paris 2024 Olympics.
How did the Cuban beach volleyball team perform in their first match?
The Cuban beach volleyball duo of Jorge L. Alayo and Noslen Díaz won their first match against the United States with set scores of 21-18 in both sets.
Which Cuban athletes competed in the morning session on Saturday?
Reidys Cardona competed in single scull rowing, finishing third in his heat and advancing to the quarterfinals. Yariulvis Cova and Laina Pere did not advance in their respective events.
Who carried the Cuban flag during the opening ceremony of the Paris 2024 Olympics?
Boxer Julio César La Cruz carried the Cuban flag during the opening ceremony, replacing wrestler Mijaín López.