Four desertions from the Cuban team at the Pan American Games, a Fidel commentary complaining about it, a rumor of a mass defection after the closing ceremony, Brazilian video of Cuban athletes selling their uniforms, and the Cuban team heads to the airport a day early, in a hurry. They barely collect their luggage and they skip a medal ceremony where bronzes for the volleyball team awaited. Sad.
It wasn't the whole Cuban team. A report says a reduced Cuban team was at the closing ceremonies (along with an empty crowd b/c the weather).
ReplyDeleteCubans have long been able to sell or trade their memorabilia and uniforms. I saw mostly trades in San Diego for the WBC. It is a perk courtesy of Adidas.
As far as a supposed mass defection goes, the athletes could have defected any time. Even the prized boxers were allowed out at night, despite being marked for months (and apparently worth a $1.5 million signing bonus).
What is sad is that athletes are poached like animals - offered cash, cars and a lifetime of opportunity. Notice it is mostly always a star that deserts, not the more humble athletes. I wish the boxers better luck in Pro boxing than their predescesors. it is a whole different game...
regardless if they make a penny as a pro OR NOT ...they have already won ... the biggest prize of their lifetime ...priceless
ReplyDeleteFREEDOM
For a country of 11 million to win more Golds than the home country of 190 million (and Canada) is an amazing testament to Cuban sport.
ReplyDeleteI do sense desperation in the Cuban delegation at the Pan Am Games.
ReplyDeleteMostly because the top Cuban boxers have left the island. And as I have been reading (and known by many) that Cuban boxers are seen among the most heroic of all Cuban athletes.
Their defections (since earlier this year) can have profound effects (and probably already have) on future Cuban olympians.
Given that the island is already turning a new page in history, the influence of a new vision for Cuba can have further effects on the roles of Cuba athletes around the globe.
The Cuban government may fear the uncertain path that top athlete defections may have on the young Cuban population.
The just announced decision of the boxers to return to Cuba will do more for the young of Cuba than anything anyone could have ever said. Amazing.
ReplyDelete