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A new case of defection is shaking Cuban sports. In recent hours, an athlete from the national under-23 wrestling team separated from the delegation while participating in a competition in Mexico.
Roidmel Danger, 22 years old and belonging to the 60 kg category in Greco-Roman wrestling, left the national delegation while preparing for the U23 Pan American Championships, scheduled from April 3 to 5, 2025, in Querétaro, Mexico.
The information about his desertion was shared by Roly Dámaso, an expert in the field, through his profile on .
According to the specialized sports site Swing Completo, “Danger was considered one of the rising talents in Greco-Roman wrestling in Cuba, a sport that has historically contributed numerous medals to the country in international competitions, including the Olympic Games and World Championships.”
This incident adds to a series of defections by Cuban athletes in Mexico over the past year. In February 2024, at least three Cuban wrestlers—Susana Martínez (76 kg), Santiago Hernández (57 kg), and Osmany Diversent (57 kg)—departed from the delegation in Acapulco during the Senior Pan American Championship and the Pan American Olympic Qualifier for Paris 2024.
In May 2024, Omar Toledano, considered the best handball player of the Cuban national team, left the team during the Pre-World Handball Championship in Mexico, shortly after being selected for the ideal team of the NORCECA tournament.
Similarly, in November 2023, the weightlifter from Cienfuegos, Elizabeth Reyes Entenza, competing in the 87 kg category, escaped from the Cuban delegation while attending the Youth World Championship in Guadalajara, where she was one of the favorites to win a medal.
That same month, the villaclareña pelotari María Karla Pérez, a member of the national basque pelota team, left the delegation during the Sub-22 World Championship of that discipline in Mexico.
The desertion of Cuban athletes is a growing trend, driven by internal challenges and the pursuit of better opportunities abroad. Mexico, in particular, has become a recurring point for these escapes, highlighting the difficulties faced by the Cuban sports system today.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Desertion of Cuban Athletes in Mexico
Who is Roidmel Danger and why did he leave the Cuban national wrestling team in Mexico?
Roidmel Danger is a 22-year-old Cuban wrestler, competing in the 60 kg category in Greco-Roman wrestling, who left the national team of Cuba while preparing for the Under-23 Pan American Championships in Querétaro, Mexico. Such defections have become common among Cuban athletes seeking better opportunities outside the island due to the limitations and internal challenges.
What impact does the defection of athletes have on the Cuban sports system?
The defection of Cuban athletes reflects the challenges faced by the sports system on the island, including a lack of resources and opportunities for professional development. This has resulted in a significant exodus of athletes seeking better conditions abroad, further weakening Cuba's sports potential on the international stage.
Why has Mexico become a recurring destination for the defection of Cuban athletes?
Mexico has become a recurring destination for the defections of Cuban athletes due to its geographical proximity and the opportunities it offers in terms of connectivity with other countries where athletes can further their careers. Additionally, the presence of international competitions in Mexico provides Cuban athletes with the chance to leave official delegations in search of a better future.
What other Cuban athletes have defected recently during competitions abroad?
In recent years, several Cuban athletes have defected during competitions abroad, including wrestlers, handball players, and baseball players. Some of the most recent cases include Omar Toledano, a prominent handball player, and several baseball players who have sought opportunities in professional leagues outside of Cuba, reflecting a growing trend of seeking better conditions and athletic opportunities.
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