The 33rd Olympic Games in Paris 2024 have concluded with emotional opening and closing ceremonies. Reports from attendees suggest that the organization and conditions of the Olympic Village were less than favorable.
Among the significant global sports events were the four medals, three of them gold, won by the incredible gymnast Simone Biles of the United States, the four titles secured by French swimmer Leon Marchand, the astounding sixth title of American basketball player Diana Taurasi, the double victory of the U.S. basketball teams, Spain's triumph in soccer, and the Olympic record of 49.17 seconds set by Marileidy Paulino, a trainee of Cuban coach Yansen Pérez. This marked the first gold medal in women's athletics for the Dominican Republic at the Summer Games. Notably, three Cuban athletes stood on the podium for the triple jump, and Mijaín López clinched his fifth gold medal in the 130kg Greco-Roman wrestling category.
Notable Cuban Athletes and Their Journeys
The story will note that Jordan Díaz for Spain, Pedro Pablo Pichardo for Portugal (Tokyo 2020 Olympic champion), and Andy Díaz for Italy fought tenaciously for titles under flags that weren't their own, all products of the Cuban triple jump school who left in search of a better future they undoubtedly achieved.
As for Mijaín, what more can be said? Some try to tarnish his greatness, but no politics can succeed in this. Amid Cuba's mediocre results at these Games, finishing 32nd with only nine medals, this legend's fifth title shines a light on a nation that is fading daily.
I shared Mijaín's first two Olympic successes, Pan American Games, and training sessions, and as the time for farewell becomes a reality, I can only wish this always-smiling giant a comfortable, happy, and loving life.
The "Kid" who joined the national team very young could become a great coach if he wishes, though there might be no talent left to mold. At the rate we're going, sports in Cuba are becoming a chimera, a nation showcasing geniuses like Fonst, Kid Chocolate, Capablanca, Sotomayor, Barrientos, Iván Pedroso, Teófilo Stevenson… and Mijaín López!
The much-vaunted high-performance pyramid, so effective for years with special areas, pre-EIDES, EIDES, ESPAS, High-Performance Centers… poof! Erased from Cuba's sports landscape.
The Decline of Cuban Sports Infrastructure
The once-strong movement of volunteer activists, sustained by the then-socialist bloc's money, who searched for talents across the island, polishing them for high performance, no longer exists. On my usual tours through the provinces for baseball playoffs, Superior Basketball League matches, Moncada gymnastics tournaments, I used to see (well-maintained) baseball and soccer fields, makeshift basketball and volleyball courts, gymnastic mats, simple but useful boxing rings… Now, there's nothing! If there's no food, how can parents think about having an athlete at home?
That's the harsh reality. Moreover, those geniuses who still emerge, what do they get when they join a national team? What nutrition, medication, family support, logistical aid to avoid having to ride in non-existent buses?
That is the reality… not anything else! 32nd place? Like riding in a horse-drawn carriage in Bayamo… Two titles? One long-awaited; the other from the last boxer to qualify, the electric Erislandy Álvarez, please!
How long will ineffective rhetoric continue to try to mask this harsh reality? No one can imagine the pain it causes me that my athletes (who will always be mine) live in such poor conditions. To those who fought to attend Paris but couldn't; to those who went but didn't make it to the finals, or if they did, to those who stood on the podium…
To my beloved athletics and judo that didn't reach their former glory… Thank you for your colossal effort! Thanks to Idalys, Arlenys, Pupo, La Cruz, Arlen who couldn't make it this time; thanks to the taekwondo practitioners, wrestlers (wrestling, the flagship of a sports ship that has gradually sunk), thanks to young talents like Cooper who could achieve so much if given proper attention; thanks to the immense beach volleyball pair Alayo-Díaz who fought hard against the Swedish duo Alman-Helving who later took the crown in Paris.
And of course, my best wishes to the dozens of Cuban athletes and coaches who have found success elsewhere, even if most of them see a different flag and hear a different anthem. The Olympic Games, won by the United States with China close behind, bid farewell with historic moments, epic events, and iconic figures, among whom is the remarkable Mijaín López.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cuban Sports and the Olympics
This section provides answers to common questions regarding the state of Cuban sports and the performance of its athletes at the Olympics.
What were the key achievements of Cuban athletes at the Paris 2024 Olympics?
Cuban athletes secured notable positions in the triple jump and Mijaín López won his fifth gold medal in Greco-Roman wrestling. Despite the challenges, these achievements highlighted their enduring talent.
Why is the current state of sports in Cuba declining?
The decline is primarily due to a lack of infrastructure, resources, and support for athletes. The previous strong system of talent identification and development has deteriorated significantly.
Who is Mijaín López, and why is he significant?
Mijaín López is a legendary Cuban wrestler who won his fifth gold medal in the 130kg Greco-Roman category at the Paris 2024 Olympics. His achievements are a source of pride for Cuba.
What challenges do Cuban athletes face today?
Cuban athletes face numerous challenges, including inadequate nutrition, lack of medical care, insufficient family support, and poor logistical arrangements for training and competition.