The Cuban government has demanded the "immediate removal" of Olympic canoeing champion Fernando Dayán Jorge from the Refugee Olympic Team set to participate in the Paris 2024 Olympics.
Fernando Dayán, who left a Cuban delegation in Mexico in 2022 and currently resides in Miami, is part of the Refugee Olympic Team (ROT) along with his compatriot Ramiro Mora Romero, a weightlifter with multiple records who lives in London.
The Cuban Olympic Committee (COC) claims that both athletes were unjustifiably included and accuses the ROT of falsely presenting them as athletes "displaced by war or persecution."
The Cuban organization asserts that it has been in communication with the International Olympic Committee (IOC) to clarify what they consider a "regrettable situation."
"The decision to include Cuban athletes in the ROT was made behind the back of the Cuban Olympic Committee with the clear aim of attacking the image of the national sports movement, which has brought so much glory to our people," states the COC’s communication.
Cuban Government's Stance
Cuba maintains that it has no issue with athletes and coaches who live or develop their careers in other countries competing in the Olympics representing those nations.
"One of the two athletes now included in the ROT has made disrespectful and false political statements against his country, his people, and the sports movement that allowed him to become an Olympic champion in Tokyo 2020," the statement says, referring to Fernando Dayán.
For the Cuban government, the athlete's stance shows the political motivation behind his inclusion in the refugee team.
"This is a violation of the Olympic Charter and the rules established by the IOC for all athletes participating in the Olympic Games," said Cuba, insisting on his immediate expulsion.
"The COC reiterates its strongest rejection of the inclusion of Cuban athletes in the ROT, as part of the political manipulation of sports," the statement emphasized.
Fernando Dayán Jorge, who entered the United States illegally through the southern border, said last year from Miami that "it is very sad to know that you cannot fulfill your dream in the place where you were born."
"There were many moments when I was disappointed and disagreed with what was happening," he stressed.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cuban Athletes and the Refugee Olympic Team
Here are some common questions regarding the situation of Cuban athletes Fernando Dayán Jorge and Ramiro Mora Romero and their inclusion in the Refugee Olympic Team for Paris 2024.
Why is the Cuban government demanding the removal of Fernando Dayán Jorge from the ROT?
The Cuban government argues that Fernando Dayán Jorge, along with Ramiro Mora Romero, was unjustifiably included in the ROT and claims this is part of a political move to attack Cuba's national sports movement.
What has Fernando Dayán Jorge said about his situation?
Fernando Dayán Jorge expressed disappointment and sadness over not being able to fulfill his dreams in Cuba, noting instances where he disagreed with the circumstances in his home country.
What is the position of the Cuban Olympic Committee on athletes competing for other countries?
The Cuban Olympic Committee states that it has no objections to Cuban athletes and coaches living abroad competing for those countries in the Olympics, as long as it is done transparently and without political motivations.