Cuba recognized wrestlers Mijaín López and Yusneylis Guzmán as the best conventional athletes of 2024, while Omara Durand shone once again among the disabled athletes.
According to the digital publication JIT, Mijaín achieved an unprecedented feat by winning his fifth Olympic title at the Paris Games, where Guzmán secured a historic silver medal for the island.
"There was no debate: the gladiators deserved the 2024 Best Athletes awards in #Cuba," stated the leader Miguel Díaz-Canel on the social network X.
The recognition is the result of a vote organized by INDER and the Circle of Sports Journalists of UPEC, focused on the athletes representing Cuba in international competitions.
It is important to clarify that the voting only includes athletes who compete for Cuba, as the regime completely disregards those who excel representing other countries.
Other awardees include beach volleyball player Jorge Luis Alayo and baseball player Haila González in team sports, as well as canoeists Yarisleidis Cirilo and Yisnoly Franchesca López in non-individual events.
In sports for athletes with disabilities, Durand was the standout performer, securing three titles at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games and establishing herself as the best athlete of the year in her category, with Robiel Yankiel Sol being the top male athlete.
The awards gala is scheduled for December 13 at the Coliseo de la Ciudad Deportiva, where the Cuban blind baseball team, champions of the II World Cup, will also be honored.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Best Athletes from Cuba in 2024
Who were chosen as the best athletes in Cuba in 2024?
The best athletes from Cuba in 2024 were Mijaín López and Yusneylis Guzmán in the conventional athletes category, and Omara Durand among athletes with disabilities. Mijaín López stood out by winning his fifth Olympic title in Greco-Roman wrestling, while Yusneylis Guzmán made history by earning a silver medal, becoming the first Cuban woman to achieve this in freestyle wrestling. Omara Durand, for her part, excelled at the Paralympic Games with three gold medals.
What achievements highlighted Mijaín López at the 2024 Paris Olympic Games?
Mijaín López achieved his fifth Olympic title in Paris 2024, a groundbreaking accomplishment in Greco-Roman wrestling. This success cements his status as a legend in both Cuban and global sports, making him the only athlete to win the same individual event five times in Olympic history.
How did Yusneylis Guzmán stand out at the Paris 2024 Olympics?
Yusneylis Guzmán won a silver medal in freestyle wrestling at the Paris 2024 Olympics, becoming the first Cuban female wrestler to stand on the podium in this discipline. Her achievement is a milestone for women's sports in Cuba.
What achievements did Omara Durand reach at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games?
Omara Durand won three gold medals at the 2024 Paris Paralympics, establishing herself as one of the greatest Paralympic athletes of all time. Her performance included victories in the 100, 200, and 400 meters in the T12 category, reaffirming her dominance in Paralympic athletics.
How did the state of sports in Cuba influence the performance of its athletes in Paris 2024?
The lack of resources and the exodus of athletes have impacted the performance of Cuban athletes at Paris 2024. Cuba ranked 32nd in the Olympic medal table, with results lower than those of Tokyo 2020. Despite these challenges, some athletes managed to stand out, showcasing their talent and dedication despite the limitations imposed by the regime and the economic crisis in the country.
Filed under: