Cuba is gearing up for the XXV Central American and Caribbean Games in Santo Domingo 2026 with a strong contingent of 48 athletes dedicated to track and field. Their ambition is clear: to surpass the nine gold medals won in San Salvador 2023 and secure around 11 to 12 titles during the competition, running from July 24 to August 8.
According to journalist Raúl Rodríguez on Facebook, the team, which includes 24 men and 24 women, is a blend of world-class athletes and a promising new generation, aiming to continue the Island's legacy of success in this sport.
The standout figure of the team is Leyanis Pérez, a three-time world champion in triple jump, who broke the 15-meter barrier on July 10 with a personal best of 15.06 m at the Diamond League in Monaco. As the flagbearer for the Cuban delegation during the ceremony held on Saturday in Havana, she declared her intention to compete in Santo Domingo "with the same fervor as in the Olympics."
Joining her are Lázaro Martínez, the 2022 indoor world champion in triple jump and 2025 outdoor world bronze medalist, and Juan Miguel Echevarría, who is returning to the national team after a five-year hiatus with a season mark of 8.27 m. Together, they form a formidable trio for the field events.
The breakout star of the cycle is Jorge Hodelín, a 19-year-old who set a new under-20 world record in long jump with 8.46 m on June 13 in Pierre-Bénite, France, surpassing the previous mark held by Italy's Mattia Furlani. The young athlete from Cabaiguán arrives in Santo Domingo as one of the main attractions of the games.
Technical director George Romero has highlighted that the core strength of the team lies in jumping and throwing disciplines, areas where Cuba has historically excelled and where several top gold medal contenders are concentrated.
The path to success, however, is not without challenges. The host nation, the Dominican Republic, will feature Marileidy Paulino, the Olympic champion in the 400 meters in Paris 2024 with an Olympic record of 48.17 seconds, and their flagbearer, who arrives in peak form following victories at the Diamond League events in Doha and Monaco in 2026. Additionally, Grenada will field Anderson Peters, the world champion in javelin.
Nevertheless, the absence of other top-tier competitors in several events provides a genuine opportunity for the Cuban team to expand their title collection beyond what they achieved in San Salvador 2023.
Cuba is participating in Santo Domingo with a total of 504 athletes across 42 sports, with an overarching goal to secure approximately 68 gold medals and finish among the top three in the overall medal standings. The track and field team, with its mix of seasoned champions and rising stars, will be a key indicator of the state of Cuban sports as the nation looks ahead to the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic cycle.
Cuba's Athletic Prospects in Santo Domingo 2026
Who are the key athletes to watch from Cuba in the 2026 Central American and Caribbean Games?
Key athletes from Cuba include Leyanis Pérez, a triple jump world champion; Lázaro Martínez, a world indoor champion; and Jorge Hodelín, a rising star in long jump. These athletes represent Cuba's best hope for gold in track and field events.
What challenges does the Cuban team face in these games?
The Cuban team faces strong competition from host nation athletes like Marileidy Paulino and other regional rivals, which may pose challenges in their quest for gold medals.