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The story of Yunerki Ortega Ponce, like that of many Cubans who have settled far from their homeland, is a blend of pain, resilience, and hope. This Tuesday, her life took an emotional and symbolic turn when the Chilean Senate approved the bill granting her nationality by grace, and the athlete could not hold back her tears.
“I feel a tremendous joy, as if I had won an Olympic gold medal... but this is bigger”, he declared to El Deportivo, his heart still racing with the news. Ortega, who arrived in Chile as part of a sports delegation for the VII Parapan American Games Santiago 2023, has rebuilt his life and career with discipline and determination.
Before losing his sight, he practiced karate. But it was in the darkness that he found a new light: para-swimming, which he embraced without knowing how to swim. “I heard about para-sports in 2015. I didn’t know how to swim, but I accepted the challenge. In a year and a half, I was already on the national team and won a medal at the Parapan American Games,” he proudly recounts.
Today, as a triathlete, he is part of the Chilean national team and just three weeks ago he won a bronze medal in a continental competition in Colombia. “I brought Chile to the podium. I was among the awarded flags,” he celebrates.
Although the recognition is a reason to celebrate, Yunerki has an even more personal reason to feel excited: his mother. "This brings me closer to what I desire most: having my mom with me. Being able to hug her in this great country that opens its doors to us,” he says, moved. His dream now is to bring her legally to Chile and live with her the fruit of so many sacrifices.
“I spoke with her yesterday and she is super excited. She knows that this brings us closer. She is happy and so am I,” she expressed.
Originally from Ranchuelo, in Villa Clara, he disappeared on November 17, 2023 from the Pan American Village in Santiago, Chile. He had just finished competing in the 50-meter freestyle in the S11 category (for blind athletes) and placed a modest fifth. But that result was the least of his concerns. That night, the Cuban swimmer packed his belongings and quietly left, without notifying anyone.
The leadership of the Cuban delegation reported his disappearance to the Carabineros. The cameras did not capture his exit. The official report classified him as "missing," but what truly happened was that this young man broke the chains of a system that denied him the right to decide his future.
Ortega does not forget those who have supported him in his journey. He especially thanked the deputy Érika Olivera, the Congress, and those who have helped him since he arrived. “There are many people who have extended a hand to me. I am grateful to Alberto Maresma, who opened his home to me from day one, and to Mijail Bonito. And once again to the deputy, for her big heart,” he expressed.
Beyond sports, Yunerki aims to be a role model for other young people. "I want to be an inspiration for children. I want them to see that you should never give up, not even in the face of adversity," he states.
With an eye on the 2028 Paralympic Games in Los Angeles, Ortega trains daily with a clear goal: “I want to take Chilean para triathlon to the highest level. It’s my way of giving back to everything this country has done for me.”
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