Ojeda, 30, initially traveled to Paris to assist her compatriot Idalys Ortiz with Olympic preparations. What was meant to be a brief mission turned into a pivotal moment in her life. Despite planning to return to Cuba before the Games, Ojeda made the difficult decision to stay in Europe, driven by professional aspirations and concerns for her personal safety.

Reflecting on her choice, Ojeda shared the emotional turmoil she experienced. "Deciding to stay was incredibly hard," she confessed. "Leaving behind everything —family, friends, and the place where you were born— without saying goodbye was devastating. I couldn’t even inform my teammates. Yet, I’m convinced it was the right decision. Though challenging, it was necessary for my future."

Ojeda described the period of intense anxiety and fear she faced. “I spent days overwhelmed with apprehension, unsure if my actions were the right ones for both me and my family. It’s incredibly tough to make such a significant decision, but I am confident it was the best choice.”

Once she decided to remain in Europe, Ojeda had to quickly find a new base for her judo career. Her choice to settle in Valencia was influenced by the city’s strong judo reputation and anticipated support. “Valencia’s high level of judo was clear, and the High-Performance Centre came highly recommended. Additionally, Ayumi Leiva, a friend and former Cuban teammate, was based here. I felt confident Valencia would offer the support I needed.”

Ojeda’s escape was fraught with challenges. She recounted the harrowing experience of separating from her group and finding her way to safety. “I left the group and almost ran away,” she said. “I walked for hours, overwhelmed with nerves, and made several calls until I found help for a bus ticket from Paris to Barcelona. After a few days in Barcelona, I was determined to reach Valencia.”

Now settled in Valencia, Ojeda is focused on her training and future competitions. Her goal is to represent Spain in international judo events, including the World Championships and the Olympics. “My dream is to improve and reach the top of my sport. I want to win medals on the world stage and ultimately at the Olympics. This dream has now become a concrete goal that I am determined to achieve.”

Despite her determination, Ojeda faces the complex process of seeking political asylum. She admitted that navigating this process is challenging, especially given her method of arrival. “I’m not entirely sure about the asylum steps,” she said. “Since I arrived by bus, it’s more complicated than if I had flown in. But I’m not giving up. With the support of the coaches and the federation, I believe anything is possible. I plan to seek information from the police and the Red Cross, who are helping me through this process.”

Ojeda’s decision to leave Cuba was influenced by a mix of personal and professional factors. “One main reason was the desire to grow as an athlete without restrictions,” she explained. “I wanted to pursue my ambitions without constant obstacles.”

Leaving her family in Cuba was particularly painful. Ojeda spoke about the emotional impact of separating from her elderly mother, siblings, and nephew. “It’s a mix of emotions,” she reflected. “I feel a deep sadness, but I hope that in the future, I’ll feel satisfaction knowing that I took an important step for my life. I hope to help my family, achieve my dreams, and find success in my sports career. Although I have some regrets, my conscience is clear. I experienced a lot of fear and uncertainty, but now I feel at peace.”

Ojeda’s decision to start a new life in Spain was made after careful consideration. “I waited until the last moment to come to Spain because I knew it was the best place for me to develop as an athlete and seize an opportunity that I never had in Cuba,” she said. “Through hard work, I can make the most of this chance, and I feel that no one can take that away from me.”

Spain’s cultural and linguistic similarities to Cuba have eased Ojeda’s transition, making her feel more at home. “This country has many aspects that remind me of home, such as the language and the culture,” she said. “I feel very comfortable here, it’s like a dream come true. Another European country would feel very different.” She also praised the High-Performance Centre in Valencia, noting its global reputation and the high caliber of its coaches.

Despite the difficulties she has faced, Ojeda remains hopeful for her future. “Leaving behind everything you know to start over in a new world is incredibly challenging,” she acknowledged. “For Cubans, the added difficulty of knowing we may not see our families for a long time makes it even harder. Yet, many of us make this tough choice. For me, it’s about personal growth and seizing new opportunities.”

As she continues to adapt to her new environment, Ojeda is focused on making the most of her situation. She drew a parallel between her experience and historical migrations. “The situation in Cuba is difficult,” she noted. “In the past, many people from here went to Cuba to pursue their dreams because things were tough in Spain. Now, it’s our turn to face these challenges. I could have gone to the United States or France, but I believe Spain is the best choice for my athletic goals and for feeling socially integrated. I hope to be granted asylum and to soon prove that I have the skills to represent Spain with pride. This country is offering me a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.”