Cuban Athletes Who Fled Official Delegation in Paraguay Resurface in Video

In a recent social media video, three out of the four Cuban athletes who disappeared from their official delegation during the Asunción 2025 Junior Pan American Games have reemerged. They expressed gratitude for the support they have received and assured viewers that they are "healthy, safe, and in a peaceful place." These young rowers were reported missing on August 13 after failing to return to the hotel where the Cuban delegation was staying. Since then, their whereabouts were unknown, prompting Paraguayan police to be alerted by Cuban sports authorities.

The athletes, appearing in the video seated on a sofa, were joined by two other Cubans residing in Paraguay who are temporarily looking after them. One of the companions, Carlos Carrera, identified as a member of the Paraguayan Cocktail Academy, stated, “They realized they are not alone in the new life they are beginning.”

Expressions of Gratitude and Solidarity Support

During the video, one athlete expressed thanks, saying, “I want to thank the Paraguayan people and everyone supporting us, and our fellow Cubans who are helping us now. We are eternally grateful for all the aid you are providing.” The hosts have assured the athletes of food and shelter, and mentioned plans for a “solidarity effort” to gather clothes and other necessities, considering the young men—around 21 years old and over two meters tall—left everything behind.

Carlos Carrera also mentioned the athletes are frightened and fear being apprehended and returned to Cuba, which is why they haven't yet started asylum procedures. “They are waiting for legal advice to begin the process with Conare,” he added. Although the athletes did not reveal their identities in the video, various sources confirm they are rowers Félix Puente Batista, Robert Landy Fernández, and Keiler Ávila Núñez, who had even won a bronze medal in the coxed eight event before defecting.

Voluntary Departure and Asylum Plans

Paraguayan Interior Minister Enrique Riera confirmed on August 14 that four Cuban athletes did not return to their assigned hotel, suggesting a possible voluntary defection. Speaking to ABC Cardinal radio, Riera noted, “They have not yet approached Conare (National Commission for Stateless Persons and Refugees), but that is our initial presumption.” Besides the three rowers, the defection reportedly includes handball player Suannet de la Caridad Nápoles, who has not appeared in the video nor been located.

Joining this group later was judoka Jonathan Delgado, whose departure led to increased police operations, according to Cuban activist Harche Reyes via Paraguayan media outlet ABC. “The pursuit of these kids has intensified... until everyone leaves, we can’t finalize a number because more athletes are likely to escape repression in search of a free life,” Reyes warned, hinting at potential further defections in the coming days.

A Pattern of Defections

Defections by Cuban athletes during international events are not a new phenomenon. Over the past few decades, at least 800 athletes have left their delegations seeking better living conditions. Notable figures include baseball stars Aroldis Chapman, Yoenis Céspedes, and José Abreu, who found success in foreign leagues. The reappearance of these young athletes in Paraguay fits within this historical pattern, but now with the contemporary twist of immediate visibility through social media and the backing of an active and supportive migrant community.