The official Cuban delegation secured the 32nd spot in the final medal tally at the Paris 2024 Olympics, earning two gold medals, one silver, and six bronze. But how would the island rank if we included the achievements of athletes who competed under different flags?
Main Achievements of Cuban Delegation
First, let's recall the significant results of the team supported by the National Institute of Sports, Physical Education, and Recreation (INDER), which celebrated the titles won by wrestler Mijaín López (Greco-Roman, 130 kilograms) and boxer Erislandy Álvarez (63.5 kg). The silver medal was secured by Yusneylis Guzmán (freestyle wrestling, 50 kg), while the bronze medals went to Yarisleidis Cirilo (canoeing), Arlen López (boxing, 80 kg), Luis Orta (Greco-Roman wrestling, 67 kg), Rafael Alba (taekwondo, over 80 kg), Gabriel Rosillo (Greco-Roman wrestling, 97 kg), and Milaimy Marín (freestyle wrestling, 76 kg).
Meanwhile, the group of Cuban athletes competing for other countries, which included 21 athletes, also garnered nine medals: one gold, four silver, and four bronze. The gold medal was won by the stellar Jordan Díaz (Spain) in a triple jump event that saw a podium filled with exiles, followed by Pedro Pablo Pichardo (Portugal) and Andy Díaz (Italy).
Wrestler Yasmani Acosta (Chile/Greco-Roman, 130 kg), boxer Loren Berto Alfonso (Azerbaijan/92 kg), and volleyball player Wilfredo León (Poland) finished in second place, while Yoandy Leal (Brazil, volleyball), and boxers Enmanuel Reyes (Spain/92 kg) and Javier Ibáñez (Bulgaria/57 kg) clinched bronze.
Clearly, the Cuban diaspora matched the official delegation in medal count. So, how would the island have ranked if these medals were included? After examining the official medal tally and doing the calculations, Cuba would have finished in 22nd place, with a total of three golds, five silvers, and ten bronze medals. Yet, even with these additional honors, INDER's forecast for its national team in Paris would still not have been met. Nonetheless, it's important to note that all of this remains speculative.
FAQs on Cuba's Performance in Paris 2024 Olympics
Here are some frequently asked questions regarding Cuba's performance and how it could have changed if medals won by athletes competing for other nations were included.
How did the official Cuban delegation perform at the Paris 2024 Olympics?
The official Cuban delegation finished in 32nd place, earning two gold medals, one silver, and six bronze medals.
Which athletes won gold medals for Cuba?
The gold medals were won by wrestler Mijaín López (Greco-Roman, 130 kg) and boxer Erislandy Álvarez (63.5 kg).
How would Cuba's ranking change if medals won by exiled athletes were counted?
If medals won by Cuban athletes competing for other countries were included, Cuba would have finished in 22nd place with three golds, five silvers, and ten bronze medals.