Cubans Welcome Olympic Champion Mijain Lopez Home

Thousands of Cubans gathered late Monday night to celebrate the return of their Olympic team, led by five-time gold medalist Mijain Lopez, from the Paris 2024 Games. The team arrived in Havana, where a bus transported them through the streets to La Piragua plaza on the Malecon waterfront. The midnight welcome coincided with a salsa concert held in their honor, where Lopez expressed gratitude for the warm reception, stating, “We are happy to arrive here … happy with the welcome, it has been incredible since we got off the plane.” President Miguel Díaz-Canel greeted the athletes at Jose Martí International Airport, where an emotional reunion took place between Lopez and his mother, Leonor Nunez. Lopez made history in Paris by securing his fifth consecutive gold medal in Greco-Roman wrestling, while boxer Erislandy Alvarez also celebrated his victory in the 63.5 kg division. In the days leading up to their return, Lopez had encouraged fellow Cubans to join the festivities through messages broadcasted on state television. Despite the jubilant atmosphere, the event highlighted the ongoing economic challenges facing Cuba, including soaring inflation and shortages of essential goods. While many came out to cheer for their champions, attendance varied across the capital due to sporadic public transportation services, exacerbated by fuel shortages. The Cuban delegation, consisting of 61 athletes across 16 sports, returned with nine medals—two gold, one silver, and six bronze—falling short of their goal to rank in the top 20 at the Games.