The heartfelt reunion of two Cuban sports legends, judoka Driulis González and volleyball player Ihosvany Hernández, took place on Wednesday in Miami. Although far from the land where they achieved their greatest victories, they have found a new chapter in their lives here. Hernández himself shared a photo of the moment on Facebook, taken at the Chevrolet dealership where he works as a salesperson, accompanied by a message full of affection and nostalgia.
"Years may pass, but respect, admiration, and friendship never fade. Judo and volleyball together once more at the World’s Best Chevrolet Dealer. Greatness meets greatness! Driulis González, you are dearly loved, and may God continue to bless you with health so that your contagious smile never fades," he expressed.
The post garnered numerous comments from fans who congratulated both athletes and reminisced about their sporting achievements. González responded with humble gratitude: "Blessings, champ, thanks for your attention. God bless you, regards."
Intersecting Paths and a Common Destiny
Ihosvany Hernández, a towering figure at 6’9”, was a cornerstone of Cuban volleyball in the 1990s. Competing in three Olympic Games—Barcelona 1992, Atlanta 1996, and Sydney 2000—he collected medals from World Cups, World Championships, Leagues, and Pan American Games. However, in 2001, he made one of the toughest choices of his life: defecting from the national team along with five teammates during a tournament in Belgium.
He played professionally in Italy, Turkey, Argentina, Poland, and Romania until retiring in 2013. The cost of leaving was steep: 13 years barred from entering Cuba, a decade without seeing two of his children, and seven years separated from his parents. Despite the sacrifices, he calls his decision to leave "the best of my life."
Today, he thrives as a Chevrolet salesman in Miami, helping families achieve dreams that remain out of reach on the island.
Meanwhile, Driulis González, celebrated as the greatest Cuban judoka of all time, also began anew in Miami. After dazzling in five Olympic appearances, securing one gold, one silver, and two bronze medals, along with three world titles across different divisions, the Guantanamo native now dedicates herself to training children and teenagers, sharing expertise that the Cuban government can no longer exploit.
The Stark Contrast with the Cuba Left Behind
Both champions epitomize the contrast between the glory achieved under the Cuban flag and the subsequent neglect by their own state. While official propaganda flaunts their medals as system triumphs, neither Hernández nor González found the space or stability for growth within the country.
Their Miami reunion, filled with warmth and admiration, also serves as a poignant reminder of how the Cuban government has squandered elite athletes’ talents, compelling them to emigrate or defect in pursuit of a dignified future for themselves and their families. As Cuba remains entrenched in crisis, lacking resources or a clear vision for its sports, figures like Ihosvany and Driulis build a life in freedom, far from communist control.
Their embrace in Miami is not just the meeting of old friends; it symbolizes a diaspora the regime could never silence.
Key Moments in the Lives of Cuban Sports Icons
What sports did Driulis González and Ihosvany Hernández excel in?
Driulis González was a renowned judoka, while Ihosvany Hernández was a prominent volleyball player.
Why did Ihosvany Hernández defect from the Cuban national team?
Ihosvany Hernández defected from the Cuban national team in 2001 during a tournament in Belgium to seek better opportunities and a more stable future outside of Cuba.
How have González and Hernández rebuilt their lives in Miami?
In Miami, Ihosvany Hernández works as a Chevrolet salesman, while Driulis González trains children and teenagers in judo.