Dayle Ojeda is now safe. After weeks without news about her whereabouts since the last time she was seen at the Olympic Games training camp, the Cuban judoka begins a new life in Spain. The athlete speaks with journalist Matías Sartori, press officer of the Valencian Judo Federation and Media Sport Press Agency, and discusses her decision, her odyssey, and her dream of representing Spain in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games.
Valencia, August 16, 2024.- The Olympic Games represent, for almost everyone, an opportunity to showcase the level of each athlete in the greatest sporting event. The Olympic gathering signifies a multidisciplinary celebration that brings together different countries and cultures. And where the effort, perseverance, and work of the last four years are highlighted in each competition.
Paris 2024 has left us stories of overcoming challenges and many lessons under the shadow of many athletes. However, there are stories that unfolded behind the scenes of the biggest sports stage. And although they do not highlight athletic achievements, they depict stories of life. This is the example of Dayle Ojeda, the judoka who has escaped from Paris. This is her story.
Ojeda arrived in Paris a few days before the celebration of the Olympic Games, participating in the training sessions of Idalys Ortiz, the leading judoka from her homeland who competes in the +78 kg category. However, since she was not competing in Paris 2024, the 30-year-old judoka from Havana had to return to her country before the Olympic event began. But Dayle did not take the return flight. After two weeks without news of her, she finally found her new destination: Valencia, Spain. This is her story.
The social and political situation in Cuba has forced several athletes in recent years to leave their home and seek a better future. After a Games in which Cuban nationals who became Spanish citizens, boxer Emanuel Reyes Pla and athlete Jason Díaz, won medals for the national delegation, the Cuban judoka confirms her dream of growing as a person and as an athlete in the country where her compatriots succeeded.
"I feel good, now more at ease and confident, looking forward to starting a new life," she confesses after weeks of uncertainty. From fleeing in Paris 2024 to dreaming of winning a medal with Spain in Los Angeles 2028. Dayle Ojeda smiles again and is training at the Valencia Training Camp, the camp that brings together hundreds of international judokas in the capital of Turia every summer. This is how she tells her story.
How were your last days in Paris before traveling?
It was a very difficult few days, to be honest, my last week was too intense. I have spent days suffering from anxiety, feeling a lot of fear, constantly thinking about what is right and what is best for me and my family. It is tough to have to make decisions like this, but I am convinced that I did the best thing.
What does it mean to make this decision?
It was difficult to make the decision since no one is prepared to leave their life behind. It's hard to leave my family, friends, partner, and above all, the place where one is born without being able to say goodbye. Not even to my colleagues. But, I insist, it was the best thing, and I do not regret it because it was the best decision. I am sure of that.
How was your departure from the team that was preparing for the Olympic Games in Paris?
Well, I separated from the group and almost ran out. I walked and walked very nervously, made some calls until I found someone who helped me and guided me to get a bus ticket. The most economical ticket from Paris to Barcelona, where I stayed for a few days, since I knew my destination was Valencia. My wishes and goals were clear, and the level of judo in Valencia is very high. I had heard very good things about the High-Performance Judo Center in Valencia, and I knew they would likely help me just as they did with the Ukrainian team in a critical and important moment. There, I also know Ayumi Leiva, my teammate from the national team of Cuba and friend. I knew they would also give me their unconditional support, for which I am eternally grateful.
What was your role in Paris?
My goal in Paris was always to support my teammate Idalis Ortiz, who was the one participating in the Olympics in the +78kg category. She is a multi-Olympic and world medalist, and I never hesitated to offer my support until the last day of her preparation. It was something mutual; that's why I was in Paris and waited until the end to go to Spain and be able to develop as an athlete and have the opportunity I never had in Cuba. I feel capable of earning this opportunity through my efforts, and I believe that no one can take that right away from me.
Why have you chosen Spain to seek political asylum?
Spain is far from Cuba, but I feel that it has many things that make me feel close, like the language or the culture. I feel very good in Spain; it’s like a dream come true. I think another European country can be very different. I still don’t know what steps to take to apply for political asylum since I came by bus. If I had arrived by plane, it would be totally different, but I won’t give up. Everything is possible with the support of the coaches and the federation. I will try to go to the police and ask for information from the Red Cross. The people I know are supporting me in this process.
What is special about Valencia?
Valencia has a High-Performance Center that is known worldwide, in addition to excellent Spanish coaches. There are always national teams from other countries that come here to train, and this is important for judo and for sports in general. Due to my physical and physiological characteristics, it is not easy to find a place to train hard that has the right conditions to reach the highest level.
What were the main reasons that led you to leave your country?
There are many reasons, but the desire to improve as an athlete and to feel that you can grow without being held back or told that you can't were some of those reasons. I want to feel that your work and effort are valued. My aspirations for personal and professional growth were what drove me, along with my mother, who is my biggest motivator and supported me a lot.
What feelings went through your mind to make this decision?
Really, it was a lot of mixed feelings. It's a blend of all those feelings. On one hand, I'm sad. But perhaps tomorrow I will feel happiness or satisfaction knowing that I have taken an important step for my life and that it can help my family, fulfill a dream, or achieve a goal in my sports career. I have some regrets, although my conscience is clear. I felt somewhat insecure because I was afraid that something wouldn't turn out as I thought at that moment. I've had many feelings, but now I feel at peace and tranquility.
What family members have you had to leave behind?
My mother, who is the most important, my nephew, and my siblings who are my life.
I imagine it hasn't been an easy decision, but what is the situation in Cuba that forces people like you to make this kind of decision in search of a better future?
I believe anyone can imagine how it feels to leave your family with a little reflection. Leaving your family, your friends, your city, your life, and moving to a new world that you don't know what to expect from is difficult. In the case of Cubans, we have an added difficulty. Knowing that you cannot return and cannot see your family for a long time makes it even harder. Nonetheless, many take this difficult decision. In my personal case, it's a matter of overcoming challenges and seeking opportunities.
The situation in Cuba is difficult, and we have to find a way to improve. At another time, many Spaniards went to Cuba to pursue their projects because everything was tough in Spain. Now it's happening to us. I could have gone to the United States where I have family, or also to France. But I believe that choosing Spain is the best for my sporting goals and to feel socially integrated. I really hope and wish that they grant me asylum and that I can soon demonstrate that I have the necessary sporting level to represent Spain with pride, as it is giving me the opportunity of my life.
What are your goals or dreams?
My dream is not far from the dream of any athlete. We always aspire to be better every day. I want to be able to represent Spain and win medals in international events. My dream is to participate and be a world and Olympic medalist. That is my dream. Now it is a goal. This way I will be able to thank Spain and the coaches who are giving me the opportunity in some way.
What do you think?
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