‘Grew up listening to stories about Russia’ – Cuban futsal player Rodriguez on his roots, favorite athlete and financial security
People and governments need to realize the importance of international financial security in today’s world, believes Jordan Antonio Rodriguez, the winner of the futsal tournament at the III International Olympiad, who has visited the Games of the Future in Kazan. The Cuban also spoke about his Russian heritage, admitted that he was happy to see snow in person and said that he had time to take pictures with Andrey Arshavin and Artyom Dzyuba.
– What are your impressions of the Games of the Future?
– The organizers did a great job: we always felt their care and support. I was also very impressed by the promotional effort: billboards and signs dedicated to the tournament are throughout the capital of Tatarstan. It is easy to get directions and understand what is on now. I am very glad to have had the opportunity to attend these competitions in person.
– You already have experience of performing at phygital tournaments - in October 2023 you took part in the finals of the III International Financial Security Olympiad.
– That competition was an experience I will never forget. Wolves, the team I played for, won the futsal tournament in Sochi. I also had a chance to meet a lot of people from all over the world and share these wonderful experiences with them. At the awards ceremony, I received a medal from the hands of your country’s Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Chernyshenko, which I am very proud of.
– Are you still in contact with the guys you met at the Olympiad?
– Yes, I made a lot of new friends at the Sirius tournament, but it is not possible to keep in touch as often as I would like. The main obstacle is the big time lag. From time to time we do get to talk to each other and be nostalgic about the wonderful moments we had together.
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– Which disciplines at the Games of the Future are you most excited to watch?
– All of them are fascinating, however there are three that I like in particular. These are phygital football and Dota 2, of which I am a fan. The robot battles are also special: they give you a clear idea of what sports could be like in the future.
– What sport inspires you in real life and is there an athlete you admire more than any other?
– In my free time, I usually play football, chess, and as entertainment, some video games. As for watching sporting events, I prefer martial arts. My idol is the wrestler Mijain Lopez Nunez. He is the only four-time Olympic champion in all wrestling styles: fans admire him not only in Cuba, but all over the world. At the age of 41, he still looks invincible.
– What about Javier Sotomayor?
– I’ve certainly heard of the Prince of Heights. I know that he set a world record over 30 years ago that has yet to be broken. This is doubly amazing considering how far athlete recovery and training techniques have advanced.
– How did you react to the defeat of the Cuban national team in a friendly football match with the Russian team?
– I was annoyed, but such failures are part and parcel of sport. You need to learn lessons, not to despair and try to take revenge when the opportunity arises in the future.
– Andrey Arshavin and Artyom Dzyuba visited Kazan during the Games. Did you want to get their autographs?
– I managed to get a picture with both of them.
– Is it true that you have a family connection to Russia?
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– Absolutely right: my grandmother was born in Armavir. She has been living in Cuba for many years, but she is always agitated when she talks about her homeland. My mother is also a citizen of the Russian Federation, although she was born in Cuba. It is not hard to guess that I grew up listening to anecdotes and stories about Russia, and now I am forming memories that I intend to pass on to my children just as my grandmother did. A visit to Kazan will help me refresh my recollections and learn something new about your beautiful country.
– This is the second time you have come to Russia. Do your grandmother’s stories coincide with your personal impression?
– Partially. However, my grandmother last visited her hometown in 2004, so her stories cannot describe the beauty of Russia 20 years later. I managed to see it with my own eyes last October: then I was impressed by the city of Sochi. Now I am in Kazan and I was able to see the snow and Russian winter with my own eyes. This is a dream come true.
– How do you see the future of international financial security?
– People and governments need to realize its importance in today’s highly globalized and technological world: for the protection of their personal funds and for the security of the entire country.
I dream of global financial security cooperation, where political and economic differences are put aside and we act united to eradicate terrorism and things like money laundering. At present, however, this is still an utopia.
– Do you plan to compete in the relevant Olympiad again in 2024?
– Of course, I will participate in the upcoming tournaments, as it is a great opportunity to prove myself and will contribute to my professional growth.