Jojo Doria - AHN
Miami, FL (AHN) - Yurisel Laborde, member of the Cuban national judo team did not join the squad as they boarded their flight home Monday, fueling speculation of defection.
The two-time world champion and bronze medalist in the 2004 Athens Olympics left the Cuban contingent sometime Sunday and was never seen since then. A judo official said that Laborde packed her bags and left a note which allegedly explained her actions to her teammates, although it is still unclear what her intentions were at that time. The Cuban squad, which amassed a total of 15 medals at the Pan American Judo Championships, left Miami for Havana without Laborde, one of the four women who bagged the gold in Sunday's tournament.
Members of the Cuban national squad who were seen lugging new mountain bikes, televisions and other purchases made during their historic stay in Miami before their flight home, declined to talk about Laborde when asked of her whereabouts. It is the first time in 40 years that Cuba has allowed its athletes in any sport to participate in any competition in Miami, considered a bastion of anti-Castro advocates.
On the other hand, coach Ronaldo Vetia Valdivie, who made it possible for Laborde join the national squad in Miami, said he trusted the 28-year-old judoka whom he trained since she was 12. Valdivie added that if Laborde did defect, it would be a devastating blow to her mother back home.
Zachary Mann, spokesman for the U.S. Customs and Boarder Protection said that Laborde has yet to contact his agency and has also indicated that is possible that she might also try to get in touch with social service groups, local churches or an attorney before going to the authorities. Catholic churches in the area are considered a traditional first-stop for Cuban defectors.
``Until someone comes forward, we can't do anything,'' Mann told the MiamiHerald.com ``There's no set precedent for when someone defects. They may come forward right away, they may have family or friends.''
Last March at a pre-Olympic tournament held in Tampa, seven Cuban soccer players made a defection to the United States.
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