The renowned Cuban long jumper, Juan Miguel Echevarría, will not be participating in the Central American and Caribbean Games in Santo Domingo 2026. This announcement was made by Rolando Charroo, Cuba's national athletics commissioner, during an exclusive interview with DeporCuba on Sunday.
Echevarría's absence is due to non-sporting reasons. He is currently dealing with administrative and immigration processes related to his stay in Spain, which have prevented him from traveling to the Dominican capital.
Charroo emphasized that the National Athletics Commission has been in constant communication with Echevarría’s coach throughout this situation. Despite the challenges, Echevarría remained eager to represent Cuba at the regional event.
Unfortunately, the uncertainty surrounding his status in Spain made it impossible to appoint a replacement in time. "It was a spot he earned, and we held out until the last minute," the commissioner stated.
Due to the inability to fill Echevarría's position with another athlete, Jorge Hodelín will be the sole Cuban competitor in the long jump event, scheduled for August 4th at 5:55 p.m. local time.
Hodelín is currently in outstanding form; he set the under-20 world record on June 13 with a jump of 8.46 meters at the Envol Trophée in France. Additionally, he secured a bronze medal at the Monaco Diamond League on July 20 with an 8.38-meter leap.
The absence of Echevarría is a setback for Cuba's athletic ambitions, as the delegation had aimed to win between 11 and 12 gold medals in these Games.
Echevarría is regarded as one of the premier long jumpers globally, boasting an impressive career: indoor world champion in Birmingham 2018, world bronze medalist in Doha 2019, Pan American champion in Lima 2019, and Olympic silver medalist in Tokyo 2021, with a personal best of 8.68 meters outdoors.
In 2022, Echevarría requested to leave the Cuban national team for personal reasons and relocated to Spain, where he trains with Iván Pedroso's group in Guadalajara.
He rejoined the national team in April 2024 under the reintegration policy promoted by the Athletics Commission and has since represented Cuba in international competitions while based in Spain.
His best performance of the current season is an 8.27-meter jump, achieved on July 1 at the Memorial José Antonio Cansino in Spain.
On a contrasting note, pole vaulter Aslin Quiala, also from Spain, successfully joined the Cuban delegation and is already in the Central American Village finalizing preparations for her pole vault competition.
Cuba is competing in Santo Domingo 2026 with 504 athletes across 42 sports, aiming to finish among the top three in the overall medal tally in these Games, which run until August 8.
Key Questions about Juan Miguel Echevarría's Withdrawal
Why is Juan Miguel Echevarría not competing in Santo Domingo 2026?
Echevarría is dealing with administrative and immigration issues related to his stay in Spain, which have prevented him from traveling to compete in the Games.
Who will represent Cuba in the long jump at Santo Domingo 2026?
Jorge Hodelín will be the sole Cuban representative in the long jump event at Santo Domingo 2026.
What are Cuba's goals for the Santo Domingo 2026 Games?
Cuba aims to finish among the top three in the overall medal count, with a delegation of 504 athletes competing in 42 sports.