Ana Laura Portuondo was born in Matanzas, Cuba, but she has lived in Canada since she was three years old. Her training as a judoka took place in the country that welcomed her, a story that stands apart from other athletes from the island representing different nations at the Paris 2024 Olympics.
Her journey on the tatamis has not been easy. Though the narrative may seem swift, it has been extremely complex: she transitioned from a rising star to being sanctioned for doping; then, she stopped training for over five years before returning to pursue her Olympic dream.
Amidst these turbulent circumstances, Ana Laura suffered greatly due to the sanction from the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA). “It's frustrating to know that the salbutamol I use through an inhaler doesn't affect performance, but because it was a banned substance by WADA, I was sanctioned for two years, which meant I couldn't participate in the 2016 Olympics,” she recently stated in an interview with Cubanet.
It's important to note that Ana Laura has been asthmatic since childhood; however, that argument was disregarded. “I was suspended for two years and lost all types of funding. I couldn't train with the team, nor could I enter any recognized national center, and that was the hardest part,” she recalled in the interview. Shortly afterward, WADA revised its rules, and the medication was removed from the banned list. Portuondo returned in 2017, but a concussion once again derailed her path to success.
She spent several years away from competitions and the adrenaline of doing what she knew and loved. Only a family request motivated her to try again. “My sister convinced me to give it one more shot,” she revealed to the magazine El Estornudo. Her comeback was triumphant; in January 2024, she won the Canadian National Championship and shortly after qualified in a continental tournament.
Thus, on August 2, in the early rounds of the women's judo over 78 kilograms at the current Olympics, Portuondo will face Nicaraguan competitor Izayana Marenco. Her goal is to reach the podium, feeling that she possesses the talent and that life should somehow reward her resilience and defiance despite the bitter experiences.
Ana Laura Portuondo's Journey and Challenges
Here are some frequently asked questions about Ana Laura Portuondo's journey and the challenges she faced on her path to the Paris 2024 Olympics.
Why was Ana Laura Portuondo sanctioned by WADA?
Ana Laura Portuondo was sanctioned by WADA because she used salbutamol, a banned substance, through an inhaler. Despite its lack of performance-enhancing effects, it led to a two-year suspension.
How did Ana Laura Portuondo return to judo after her suspension?
After her suspension, Ana Laura Portuondo returned to judo in 2017. Despite facing additional challenges, including a concussion, she made a successful comeback by winning the Canadian National Championship in January 2024 and qualifying for the Olympics in a continental tournament.