When the Cuban senior Baseball5 team suffered its first-ever defeat about a month ago, we noted that it was no time for despair—and certainly not a time to hang one’s head.

That result served as a wake-up call—the kind of timely reminder that in sports, as in life, nothing remains static, and every victory requires starting anew.

The youth team took this lesson to heart. At the 2026 Youth Olympic Games in Dakar, they also began their tournament with an initial loss—their first ever in any competition—but our young athletes poured their hearts and souls onto the court, ultimately avenging that defeat by beating Chinese Taipei in the final.

They achieved this while overcoming the challenging conditions under which they train—a reality that affects not only Baseball5, but every sport in the country. There are days marked by a lack of resources, proper facilities, equipment, or even adequate rest. There are times when enthusiasm must compensate for many shortcomings, and sheer willpower becomes the primary training tool. That’s why, when things don’t go as planned, it’s essential to look at the full picture before passing judgment.

And the full picture shows that there’s plenty to be proud of. We have seen that it’s becoming increasingly difficult for our teams to win titles; far from necessarily implying a shortcoming, this reality serves as clear evidence of the interest other nations are showing in a discipline that is growing rapidly.

Baseball5 is no longer just a curiosity, a minor variation, or a game relegated to the fringes. It’s expanding, gaining followers, incorporating training programs, and acquiring an international presence that can no longer be ignored.

Cuba arrived at the global event in Senegal with much of the same youthful squad that had triumphed in the continental tournament—a competition where the senior team had faltered. However, things became complicated at the Tour de l’Oeuf complex when two-time world junior champion Adis Yudith Espinel fell ill, leaving the team without its primary female star.

Nevertheless, Rachel Medina stepped up—playing both first and third base—and was rightfully named the Most Valuable Player of Dakar 2026.

In about a month, we will see the sport’s major annual event: the senior World Championship, to be held in Puerto Rico this December.

It’s easy to talk about being a champion in everything. The real challenge lies in maintaining that dominance as the rest of the world begins to take notice, learn, and compete with greater seriousness. Behind every Cuban title lies an immense effort—a collection of sacrifices and sleepless nights that are not always visible in the final celebratory photo. This is especially true given that our athletes often train under conditions that are far from ideal.

For this reason, it’s important to value what has been achieved, acknowledge what is still missing, and keep moving forward. Now is the time for learning—an opportunity to return stronger and transform that setback on Venezuelan soil into a valuable lesson.