The National Institute of Sports (IND) of Chile will award Yasmani Acosta, a Greco-Roman wrestler of Cuban origin, a prize of 600 monthly tax units (UTM), equivalent to more than 39 million Chilean pesos, roughly $43,000, for his silver medal at the 2024 Paris Olympics.
Acosta, representing Chile, showcased his skill and determination on the mat, facing off against the legendary Mijaín López, a five-time Olympic champion, in a memorable final. Although he was defeated by López, his performance secured him a well-deserved silver medal, establishing him as one of the world's top wrestlers.
It is noteworthy to compare Acosta's situation with that of Mijaín López in Cuba. Despite being a living sports legend, López will not enjoy a similar financial reward in his country. Most of his economic compensation will be retained by the Cuban government, a common practice that starkly contrasts with how athletes are treated in other nations.
Born in Matanzas in 1987, Yasmani Acosta, the silver medalist in Greco-Roman wrestling at the Paris Olympics, decided to defect from the Cuban delegation while attending the Pan American Games in Chile in 2015. The Cuban athlete received support from Chilean wrestler Andrés Ayub, with whom he maintains a good friendship to this day.
The Team Chile celebrated triumphantly at these Olympic Games thanks to the outstanding performances of its athletes. In addition to Acosta, Francisca Crovetto made history by winning the gold medal in Skeet Shooting, causing the Chilean national anthem to resonate in the French capital.
Yasmani Acosta's success not only marks a personal victory but also highlights the differences in state support for athletes between Chile and Cuba, emphasizing the importance of fair recognition and reward for effort and dedication in high-performance sports.
Key Aspects of Yasmani Acosta's Olympic Achievement
Here are some frequently asked questions regarding Yasmani Acosta's recent success and the broader implications for athletes from different countries.
Who is Yasmani Acosta?
Yasmani Acosta is a Greco-Roman wrestler of Cuban origin who now represents Chile. He recently won a silver medal at the 2024 Paris Olympics.
How much will Yasmani Acosta receive for his silver medal?
Yasmani Acosta will receive a prize of approximately $43,000 from Chile for his silver medal at the Paris Olympics.
How does the financial reward for athletes in Cuba compare to other countries?
In Cuba, most of an athlete's financial reward is retained by the government, which contrasts significantly with the more generous rewards given to athletes in other countries, such as Chile.
What other successes did Team Chile achieve at the 2024 Paris Olympics?
In addition to Yasmani Acosta's silver medal, Francisca Crovetto won a gold medal in Skeet Shooting, marking a significant accomplishment for Team Chile.