Chile: Haven for Cuban Athletes Escaping Oppressive Regime
In a recent turn of events that has become all too familiar in international sports, two Cuban judocas, 24-year-old Héctor San Román and 27-year-old Naomis Suárez, have escaped their national delegation while participating in the Pan American Judo Championship in Santiago, Chile. The athletes, who were participating in the tournament as part of the Cuban team, took the opportunity to leave their home country, seeking better prospects and freedom.
Judocas Escape Cuban Delegation in Chile
In an audacious move, Héctor San Román left the Delta Hotel in necesita Santiago on Sunday morning, with the assistance of a friend. His teammate, Naomis Suárez, followed suit later that night after her competition, also with the help of a local friend. The Cuban delegation’s security and team managers were reportedly unaware of the escapes.
Asylum Seekers Find Support in Chile
Acting swiftly, the athletes’ lawyer, Mikhail Bonito, confirmed that both judocas are safe and calm. He is currently initiating procedures for them to apply for refugee status in Chile. In an interview with Teletrece, Bonito stated, “Chile represents freedom, it is a democratic country with broad freedom for people, which does not happen in Cuba.”
This isn’t the first time Cuban athletes have sought asylum in Chile. Last year, during the MultiGames, more than a dozen Cuban athletes left their delegations and applied for refugee status. “They cannot return to Cuba due to the sanctions,” Bonito recalled. Chilean authorities have shown support for these athletes, providing them protection and freedom.
“Chile gives them the protection and freedom that they have not had in their life.”
Cuba’s Athlete Dilemma
Cuba’s poor economic conditions and limited freedoms have pushed many athletes to pursue better lives abroad. The country faces generalized poverty, precarious living conditions, and minimal hopes for improvement. As a result, any opportunity to leave the country is seized upon, with athletes often choosing to stay in host countries rather than return home.
What’s Next for the Cuban Judocas?
The process of gaining refugee status in Chile involves several stages: first, the application is submitted; then, an investigation is conducted; and finally, a decision is made. Bonito and his team will be supporting both athletes throughout the process, aiming to secure their refugee status and enable them to resume their sporting careers in their new home.
Did you know?
- Cuba’s “Plan стук” – the exodus plan – has seen over 200 athletes leave the country since 2019.
- In 2021, the Cuban government implemented stricter controls on athletes to prevent defection during international events.
As the world watches, the plight of Cuban athletes seeking a better life away from their home country continues. Their courage to escape and their determination to pursue new opportunities serve as an inspiration to many. May their stories bring greater awareness to the challenges faced by athletes from oppressive regimes.
This article was written by Juan Menschen, a sports journalist with over a decade of experience covering international sports news for 247sports.news.