Chilean President Welcomes Cuban-Born Olympic Silver Medalist Yasmani Acosta

Chilean President Gabriel Boric welcomed the nation's two Olympic medalists from the Paris 2024 games at the Palacio de la Moneda on Monday: Cuban-born wrestler Yasmani Acosta and shooter Francisca Crovetto.

Acosta, who competes in the Greco-Roman wrestling category, secured a silver medal in the 130-kilogram division after narrowly losing in the final to his fellow Cuban, Mijaín López, who claimed his fifth Olympic title.

"This medal isn't just mine; it belongs to all of you," Acosta said to supporters gathered at the Plaza de la Constitución.

Crovetto made history by becoming the first female Olympic champion from Chile.

"What an honor and pride to welcome you both, Francisca and Yasmani, to our national home. You represent all our athletes who strive daily to elevate our colors," Boric wrote on the social media platform X.

The president closely followed the Chilean athletes' performances in Paris and even expressed his support for Acosta before his final match. "Amazing job, Yasmani Acosta in Greco-Roman wrestling. All of Chile will be cheering for you in the final tomorrow!"

Both athletes ended a medal drought for Chile that had lasted since the Beijing 2008 games. They also secured the country's first Olympic title since tennis players Fernando González and Nicolás Massú won gold in doubles at the Athens 2004 games, as noted by the digital site Oncuba.

Acosta, who will receive $43,000 for his achievement, was one of 21 Cuban athletes competing under different flags at the Paris games. The group collectively secured eight medals, including one gold, four silvers, and three bronzes.