US wrestlers compete in Cuba despite frayed relations

[Judi Lynn]

By ANDREA RODRIGUEZ
an hour ago



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R. Felix Hernandez from Cuba, left, and Robert Smith from the United States, compete in the semifinals of the 130kg category in the Granma Cup and Cerro Pelado International tournament, in Havana, Cuba, Tuesday, Feb. 11, 2020. The Granma Cup, which is the Greco-Roman portion of the tournament, is set for Feb. 11-12, while the Cerro Pelado, which will feature men’s freestyle action, will take place Feb. 15-16. (AP Photo/Ramon Espinosa)

HAVANA (AP) — Two dozen athletes from the U.S. flew to Cuba despite rising tensions between the countries to participate in the island’s most important Greco-Roman and freestyle annual wrestling competition.

The athletes came from states including New York, Minnesota and Wyoming and included several Olympians.

“We’re down here to compete in one of the greatest sports in the world,” said Robby Smith, a 2016 Olympian from Danville, California.

He said he was too focused on the sport to think about political issues. “When it comes down to it — sports — it gets rid of all that. It’s a peaceful thing. It’s not political.”

The visit comes several months after the U.S. government imposed major restrictions on educational and recreational travel to Cuba as President Donald Trump continues to roll back Obama-era efforts to restore normal relations.

More:
https://apnews.com/46f1a85f77621ea75de8f8b388911332

Cuba hasn't seen the best this country offers, the real champeens:



They can play golf, too, just like Trump.