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The Greco-Cuban wrestler Yasmani Acosta received the National Sports Award 2024 last Monday, the highest sporting honor in Chile.
According to the Ministry of Sports of Chile, Acosta was awarded the honor "not only for his Silver medal in Paris 2024, but also for his history and career in national sports."
The Cuban migrant, who escaped from a Cuban delegation in Chile in 2015, said he feels “deeply grateful” for the award and to experience “one of the most exciting and meaningful moments of my life.”
"I know I wasn't born in Chile, but here I found a home, a family, and a flag that I have defended with pride. I've read some negative comments... and although they are the minority, they hurt, because they try to erase with words what has been built over years of sacrifice, effort, and discipline," wrote the Cuban in a Facebook post.
"But there are also the many messages of affection, the words in the streets, the hugs, the photos, the people who ask me about my upcoming competitions... that reminds me that most people do appreciate what we athletes do with our hearts," she added.
The Cuban sent an optimistic and empowering message: "Your worth lies in your work, in how you fight for your goals, in how you get up each day to move forward, even if not everyone sees it."
“Because inside and outside the mattress, I feel the heart of Chile,” said the Cuban, who hinted that he is preparing for the upcoming Los Angeles 2028 event.
Acosta starred in one of the most iconic moments of the recent Olympic Games, after facing his fellow countryman and idol Mijaín López in a historic final of the 130 kilograms Greco-Roman style at Paris 2024, who ultimately became a five-time Olympic champion.
The National Sports Award includes a cash prize of 245 monthly tax units (UTM), amounting to approximately 16,818,760 Chilean pesos (around 18 thousand dollars).
After the Olympic silver medal, the Chilean government awarded Acosta a prize of 600 UTM, equivalent to over 39 million Chilean pesos, approximately 43,000 dollars.
Yasmani Acosta (Matanzas, 1987), runner-up in Greco-Roman wrestling at the Paris Olympic Games, made the decision in 2015 to escape from the Cuban delegation with which he attended the Pan American Games in Chile.
The Cuban received support from the Chilean wrestler Andrés Ayub, with whom he has maintained a good friendship to this day.
Acosta's success not only marks a personal victory but also highlights the differences in state support for athletes between Chile and Cuba, emphasizing the importance of recognition and fair reward for effort and dedication in high-performance sports.
Frequently Asked Questions about Yasmani Acosta and His Recognition in Chile
Why was Yasmani Acosta awarded the National Sports Prize in Chile?
Yasmani Acosta was awarded the National Sports Prize in Chile thanks to his silver medal at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games and his outstanding career in Chilean national sports. The recognition also appreciates his personal story of migration and adaptation to the South American country.
How did Yasmani Acosta come to represent Chile?
Yasmani Acosta decided to stay in Chile in 2015 after escaping from a Cuban delegation during the Pan American Games. Since then, he has represented Chile in international competitions, becoming a prominent figure in Chilean sports.
What impact has Yasmani Acosta had on Chilean sports and how has he been received by society?
Yasmani Acosta has had a significant impact on Chilean sports, not only for his athletic achievements but also for his story of perseverance and adaptation. Although he has received some negative comments, the majority of Chilean society values his effort and dedication.
What is Yasmani Acosta's message for other athletes and migrants in similar situations?
Yasmani Acosta sends an optimistic and motivational message to other athletes and migrants, highlighting the importance of hard work and perseverance to achieve goals. He emphasizes that true value lies in daily effort and in moving forward, even when others do not recognize it.
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