The thirty-third Olympic Games Paris 2024 have concluded; both the opening and closing ceremonies were exciting. However, reports from those who were there indicate that the organization and conditions of the Olympic village were far from encouraging.
In general, among the events that captivated the sports world were the four medals, three of which were gold, won by the incredible gymnast Simone Biles from the United States; the four titles claimed by French swimmer Léon Marchand; the remarkable sixth title of American basketball player Diana Taurasi; the double victory of the U.S. basketball teams; Spain's triumph in football; the Olympic record of 48.17 seconds set by Marileidi Paulino, a student of the Cuban Yansen Pérez, marking the first gold medal for Dominican women's athletics in summer competitions; and, of course, the three Cubans on the podium in the triple jump, along with Mijaín López's fifth gold medal in the 130-kilogram category of Greco-Roman wrestling.
The story will detail the fact that Jordan Díaz represented Spain, Pedro Pablo Pichardo represented Portugal (Olympic champion of Tokyo 2020), and Andy Díaz represented Italy, all of whom fought tenaciously for a title that is not associated with their own flag; all three are products of the Cuban triple jump school, who set out in search of a better future that they have undoubtedly achieved.
As for Mijaín, what can I say! Some are intent on tarnishing his greatness, but believe me, no politics can achieve that. Amid the mediocrity of Cuba's results in these Games, ranking 32nd with just nine medals, the fifth title of this legend has shone a light on a nation that dwindles day by day.
I shared with Mijaín his first two successes under the Olympic rings, as well as the Pan American Games and training sessions. Now that the time of farewell has become a reality, I can only wish that this always-smiling young man receives what he deserves: a comfortable, happy, and loving life.
The "Kid" who joined the national team at such a young age could, if he wishes, become a great coach. However, he may not have much to work with because, at the rate we’re going, sports in Cuba are at risk of becoming an illusion; a nation that showcases the geniuses who always emerge, regardless of the era, just as Fonst, Kid Chocolate, Capablanca, Sotomayor, Barrientos, Iván Pedroso, Teófilo Stevenson… and Mijaín López!
That much-touted high-performance pyramid, so effective for years—special areas, pre-EIDES, EIDES, ESPAS, High-Performance Centers… poof! Erased from the Cuban sports landscape.
That powerful movement of volunteer activists, supported by the funds from the then socialist bloc, has disappeared. It tirelessly worked across the Island to discover talent, which was nurtured by those men and women, preparing them for high performance... That! That no longer exists.
I remember during my usual travels through the provinces in pursuit of the baseball playoffs, Superior League basketball games, and Moncada gymnastics tournaments, how along the roads there used to be well-maintained baseball and soccer fields, makeshift basketball and volleyball courts, improvised judo and wrestling mats, and simple yet functional boxing rings... Now there’s nothing! If there’s no food to eat, what could mom and dad possibly think about having an athlete at home!
That is the harsh reality, and no other. Moreover, those talented individuals who eventually make it to the national team, what do they have when they do? What kind of nutrition, what access to medications, what support for their families, what logistical assistance so that they don’t have to travel on nonexistent buses?
THAT IS THE REALITY… NOT ANOTHER ONE!
"Place 32? By car, as if we were in Bayamo... Two titles?"
One was eagerly awaited; the other was the last of the boxers to qualify, the electrifying Erislandy Álvarez, for goodness' sake!
Until when will ineffective verbiage used in these cases attempt to erase the harsh reality?
No one can imagine the pain it causes me that my athletes (who are and always will be) live in such poor conditions. That’s why I feel for those who fought to attend Paris and couldn’t; for those who went but couldn’t reach the finals, or those who did and made it to the podium…
To my beloved athletics and judo, which this time did not reach their former heights... Thank you for your colossal efforts!
Thanks to Idalys, to Arlenys, to Pupo, to Cruz, and to Arlen, who couldn’t make it this time; thanks to the taekwondo practitioners, to the wrestlers (the sport of wrestling, which has become the emblem of a sporting ship that has gradually sunk), thanks to those young talents like Cooper who can achieve great things if given the proper support; and thanks to the formidable beach volleyball pair, Alayo-Díaz, who fought hard before succumbing to the duo that would later be crowned champions in Paris, the Swedes Alman-Helving.
And of course, my congratulations to the dozens of Cuban athletes and coaches who have achieved success in other countries, even if most of them see their flag and hear their anthem.
Olympic Games won by the United States, with China close behind; games that come to a close with historic moments, epic events, and iconic figures, among whom undoubtedly stands the remarkable Mijaín López.
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