In a significant acknowledgment, Cuba has named wrestlers Mijaín López and Yusneylis Guzmán as the top conventional athletes for 2024, with Omara Durand once again shining in the category for athletes with disabilities. According to the online publication JIT, Mijaín achieved an unprecedented feat by securing his fifth Olympic title at the Paris Games, where Guzmán earned a historic silver medal for the island.
"There was no debate: the wrestlers deserved the awards for top athletes of 2024 in Cuba," stated ruler Miguel Díaz-Canel on the social platform X. This recognition comes from a voting process organized by INDER and the Circle of Sports Journalists of UPEC, focusing on athletes representing Cuba in international competitions.
It is important to note that the voting exclusively includes athletes competing for Cuba, as the regime deliberately overlooks those who excel representing other countries. Among other honorees are beach volleyball player Jorge Luis Alayo and baseball player Haila González in team sports, along with canoers Yarisleidis Cirilo and Yisnoly Franchesca López in non-individual events.
In the realm of sports for athletes with disabilities, Durand stood out by securing three titles at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games, establishing herself as the top athlete of the year in her category, while Robiel Yankiel Sol was recognized as the best among men.
The awards ceremony is scheduled for December 13 at the Coliseo de la Ciudad Deportiva, where the Cuban baseball team for the blind, champions of the II World Cup, will also be honored.
Cuba's 2024 Top Athletes Recognition
Who were recognized as the top athletes in Cuba for 2024?
Mijaín López and Yusneylis Guzmán were recognized as the top conventional athletes, while Omara Durand was acknowledged for her achievements among athletes with disabilities.
What did Mijaín López achieve at the Paris Games?
Mijaín López achieved an unprecedented feat by winning his fifth Olympic title at the Paris Games.
When is the awards ceremony scheduled?
The awards ceremony is scheduled for December 13 at the Coliseo de la Ciudad Deportiva.