With the star fighter Mijaín López among its members, the last group of the Cuban Olympic delegation is on its way back to the island, following the closure of Paris 2024 and the confirmation of the continued decline of what was once a global sports powerhouse.
Most of those flying from Charles de Gaulle Airport attended the closing of the major event the day before, where López, a five-time champion in Greco-Roman style under the five rings, represented the American continent.
Although the exact number is unknown, the group in question is made up of athletes who competed in the last week, executives, coaches, and accredited press members.
The regime announced that upon their arrival, they will take a tour of Havana and La Piragua will be the "venue for the welcoming event," and at the same time, it will be a "tribute" to the 98th anniversary of Fidel Castro's birth.
The route will begin at Terminal No. 1 of José Martí Airport, passing through Boyeros, the Rotonda de la Ciudad Deportiva, Calle 26, Calle 23, until reaching the Malecón of the capital.
This type of event, which links sports with the figure of Fidel Castro, is yet another example of the attempt to perpetuate the deceased dictator in all areas of Cuban life.
With the smallest delegation since Tokyo 1964, Cuba finished in 32nd place in the medal table, with two gold medals, one silver, and six bronze, marking its worst finish since Mexico 1968.
Moreover, the performance, which fell well below INDER's forecasts, was far from what was achieved in Tokyo 2020, when the island secured the 14th place thanks to seven gold medals, three silver medals, and five bronze medals.
Despite failing to meet collective goals, the ruler Miguel Díaz-Canel dedicated a congratulatory post on the social network X, with words in the form of excuses: “Congratulations, dear medalists of Paris 2024. Behind your triumphs, there are no great resources, but rather the enormous sacrifice of a people of athletes who have not stopped dreaming of Olympic glory. Like Mijaín, who was able to touch it 5 times. His courage inspires.”
This time, the regime can indeed enjoy that only one athlete left the delegation: rower Yariulvis Cobas, although days earlier wrestler Ángel Pacheco and judoka Dayle Ojeda, who were helping in the training of the aforementioned champion López and Idalys Ortiz, did so.
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