A total of 21 Cuban athletes will represent other delegations in the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, a figure that reflects the unstoppable exodus of athletes in recent years.
Finally, thirteen nations are benefiting from the talent of those born on the island, while two representatives were selected to join the Refugee Team: canoeist Fernando Dayán Jorge and weightlifter Ramiro Mora.
Spain presents in its delegation three figures who aspire to medals. They are triple jumper Jordan Díaz, javelin thrower Yulenmis Aguilar, and boxer Enmanuel Reyes, who could face the star Julio César la Cruz again in search of "vendetta" after the defeat in Tokyo 2020.
Turkey, Puerto Rico, Italy, and Chile also have two athletes each. Azerbaijan, Belgium, Bulgaria, Brazil, Canada, the United States, Poland, and Portugal have one per capita. Regarding the sports, athletics (4), boxing (3), wrestling (3), volleyball (3), and judo (2) are the most represented.
The field and track is making headlines thanks to the potential of figures like the triple jumpers Pedro Pablo Pichardo (Portugal) and Andy Díaz (Italy). In fact, there is a high probability that they and Jordan will climb to the podium in this discipline, based on recent results in major competitions. The veteran long hurdler Yasmani Copello (Turkey) has little chance.
In terms of collective disciplines, indoor volleyball - which will not feature the main Cuban teams - takes the spotlight with a trio full of quality: Wilfredo León (Poland), Yoandy Leal (Brazil), and Melissa Vargas (Turkey).
The combat events are not left behind either. The wrestling will feature freestyle wrestler Frank Chamizo (Italy), a universally awarded athlete, and Greco-Roman wrestlers Yasmani Acosta and Néstor Almanza Jr., both representing Chile.
The art of Fistiana can also yield positive performances, with Javier Ibáñez (Bulgaria), the aforementioned Reyes, and Loren Berto Alfonso (Azerbaijan), all former members of the prestigious Cuban School of Boxing.
In judo, young María Celia Laborde (United States) and Ana Laura Portuondo-Isasi (Canada) will fight on the mats of the Campo de Marte Arena, the event's venue.
It is worth noting, for example, that Cuba did not qualify any fencer, but the naturalized Belgian Neisser Loyola will be in the individual épée competition, similar to the story of basketball player Ismael Romero and sailor Pedro Luis Fernández Jr., who are included in the Puerto Rican delegation.
On the other hand, the largest of the Antilles will present its smallest team since Tokyo 1964, with only 62 athletes, although it aims for five titles and to place among the top 20 nations in the overall standings, according to officials from the National Institute of Sports, Physical Education and Recreation (INDER).
The Paris 2024 Olympic Games will take place from July 26 to August 11, with the participation of about 10,500 athletes - a lower number than the previous Games - from more than 200 National Olympic Committees.
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