With star wrestler Mijaín López among its members, the last group of the Cuban Olympic delegation is on its way back to the island following the conclusion of Paris 2024 and the confirmation of the ongoing decline of what was once a global sports powerhouse. Most of those flying from Charles de Gaulle Airport attended the closing ceremony, where López, a five-time champion under the five rings in the Greco-Roman style, represented the Americas.
Although the exact number is unknown, the group includes athletes who competed in the last week, officials, coaches, and accredited press members. The regime announced that upon their arrival, they will tour Havana, with La Piragua serving as the "reception venue" and at the same time "a tribute" to the 98th anniversary of Fidel Castro's birth. The route will start at Terminal 1 of José Martí Airport, passing through Boyeros, the City Sports Complex Roundabout, Calle 26, Calle 23, and ending at the Malecón in the capital.
These kinds of events, which link sports to Fidel Castro's figure, are yet another attempt to perpetuate the deceased dictator in all aspects of Cuban life. With its smallest delegation since Tokyo 1964, Cuba finished in 32nd place in the medal tally, with two golds, one silver, and six bronzes, marking its worst performance since Mexico 1968. Moreover, the performance fell well short of the predictions made by INDER and was far from what was achieved in Tokyo 2020, when the island ranked 14th thanks to seven golds, three silver medals, and five bronzes.
Despite failing to meet collective goals, the ruler Miguel Díaz-Canel posted a congratulatory message on the social network X, offering words that seemed more like excuses: "Congratulations, dear medalists of Paris 2024. Behind your triumphs, there are no great resources, but there is the enormous sacrifice of a nation of athletes who have never stopped dreaming of Olympic glory. Like Mijaín, who could touch it 5 times. His courage inspires."
This time, the regime can take solace in the fact that only one athlete, rower Yariulvis Cobas, abandoned the delegation. However, a few days earlier, wrestler Ángel Pacheco and judoka Dayle Ojeda, who were assisting champion López and Idalys Ortiz in training, also left.
Cuba's Olympic Performance and Challenges
Here are some frequently asked questions regarding Cuba's recent Olympic performance and the broader context of its athletic challenges.
What was Cuba's performance in the Paris 2024 Olympics?
Cuba finished 32nd in the medal tally with two golds, one silver, and six bronzes, marking its worst performance since Mexico 1968.
Who is Mijaín López and what was his role in the 2024 Olympics?
Mijaín López is a star Greco-Roman wrestler and a five-time Olympic champion who represented the Americas at the Paris 2024 closing ceremony.
What are some of the challenges facing Cuban athletes?
Cuban athletes face numerous challenges, including a lack of resources and support, which has contributed to their declining performance on the international stage.
How has the Cuban government responded to the Olympic performance?
Despite the poor performance, ruler Miguel Díaz-Canel posted a congratulatory message, praising the athletes' sacrifices and dreams of Olympic glory.