The Cuban athleteFernando Dayán Jorge, who left in Mexico at the beginning of March The official delegation with which he traveled to that country saved a compatriot from drowning in the Rio Grande when she was trying to reach the United States.
After two weeks in American territory, theOlympic canoe champion said toAmerica TeVe that after crossing the border he surrendered to the immigration authorities and presented his identity card, because his passport had been taken away by the heads of the Cuban delegation.
In the comments section of the channel's YouTube page, a woman identified as Lisandra Rondón Lara revealed that Dayán Jorge saved her life, even though he himself was in danger.
"Apart from being a great athlete, he is a hero, my husband and I will always be grateful to him, because today I am alive thanks to the fact that he practically saved my life in Río Bravo. He was patient, even though his life was also in danger "He helped me in a terrible moment, he didn't hesitate or despair," he said.
Lisandra added that she will always thank him for his gesture.
"You saved my life, thank you for helping me, I wish you that all your goals are met and that God always be with you, champion," he stressed.
The young woman's husband, named Daylor Vázquez, confirmed what his partner said.
"Apart from being a good athlete, we crossed the river and he saved my wife's life, he never abandoned us. A big hug brother, here you have brothers forever," he said.
Dayán, 23, told journalist Juan Manuel Cao that when he was in Mexico he was so controlled that for a moment he thought he would not be able to escape.
"They came from Cuba watching us: 'All united, all here, all there...', and it was very difficult to separate from the group. I at least had one opportunity and that was the one I took advantage of," he explained.
After Fernando's escape in Mexico, the National Canoeing Commission described the athlete's decision as "serious indiscipline," and added that it "destroys years of intense work and aspects of the development strategy of that sport."
"He has turned his back on the commitment to new results for his sport and his people," the state institution told the specialized magazineJit.
Cuban immigrants who face the Rio Grande every day in their quest to reach the territory of the United States often experience moments of tension due to the strong current and depth of the waters.
Last Sunday, agroup of them, among which was a child, jumped into the river in the vicinity of the Border Bridge of the city of Piedras Negras before the eyes of neighbors, liaison elements and law enforcement agents from both countries.
Taking advantage of the fact that the current seemed gentler, and some of them equipped with life jackets, including those who seemed to be the child's parents, they chained each other's arms and entered the waters.
On the other side, United States Border Patrol agents were waiting for all the migrants to cross.
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