Following the adjustments and the closing of the registration lists by World Athletics, Cuban track and field secured an additional eight spots, bringing the total to 18 competitors for the upcoming Paris 2024 Olympics.
According to the Deporcuba Facebook page, 10 athletes met the required standards set by the sports entity, while the rest qualified based on their rankings in the universal lists, including two women in the 4x400 meter relay.
Key Athletes and Their Events
It’s worth noting that sprinter Shainer Reginfo, the current national record holder in the men's 100 meters, will not compete due to an injury. However, Reynaldo Espinosa will represent the island in the same event.
The main figure will undoubtedly be world medalist Leyanis Pérez (triple jump), but her counterparts Liadagmis Povea and Lázaro Martínez also have shown positive results in recent seasons.
By Minimum Standard:
- Leyanis Pérez (women's triple jump)
- Liadagmis Povea (women's triple jump)
- Rose Mary Almanza (women's 800 meters)
- Roxana Gómez (women's 400 meters)
- Lázaro Martínez (men's triple jump)
- Cristian Nápoles (men's triple jump)
- Luis Enrique Zayas (men's high jump)
- Reynaldo Espinosa (men's 100 meters)
- Daily Cooper (women's 800 meters)
By World Athletics Ranking:
- Yunisleidy García (women's 100 meters, 48th out of 56 participants)
- Silinda Morales (women's discus throw, 16th out of 32 participants)
- Melany Matheus (women's discus throw, 30th out of 32 participants)
- Women's 4x400 meter relay (16th out of 16)
- Alejandro Parada (men's long jump, 24th out of 32 participants)
- Andy Hechavarria (men's triple jump, 27th out of 32 participants)
- Mario Alberto Díaz (men's discus throw, 31st out of 32 participants)
With the eight athletes qualified by ranking, track and field has become the Cuban sport with the highest number of athletes at Paris 2024, and the delegation has grown to 61 competitors across 16 disciplines.
With the multi-awarded wrestler Mijaín López as its flag bearer, Cuba aims to win five gold medals at the Olympics and finish among the top 25 nations in the final standings.
FAQs on Cuban Athletes at Paris 2024
In light of Cuba's significant participation in the Paris 2024 Olympics, here are some frequently asked questions about the athletes and their qualifications.
Which Cuban athletes met the minimum standards for Paris 2024?
Athletes like Leyanis Pérez, Liadagmis Povea, Rose Mary Almanza, and Lázaro Martínez met the minimum standards for their respective events.
Why isn't Shainer Reginfo participating in Paris 2024?
Shainer Reginfo, the national record holder in the men's 100 meters, will not participate due to an injury.
How did other Cuban athletes qualify for Paris 2024?
Other Cuban athletes qualified based on their rankings in the universal lists provided by World Athletics.