Cuba Has Punched Its Way to the Top of LatAm's Olympic Medal Count

Cuba has won more medals than any other country of Latin America. That’s especially remarkable given the country’s tiny population of about 11 million. They dominate in boxing: Cubans are second only to Americans in medals for that sport. However, Cuba has won more boxing medals than the US in every Olympic Games in which both countries participated.

One of Cuba’s most notable boxers in history is Teófilo Stevenson. His love for his country surpassed his desire for money and fame. Due to Cuba’s communist regime, it used to be illegal to fight as a professional boxer and be a resident. Because of this, Teófilo had to pass up many lucrative opportunities to fight professionally, including against Muhammad Ali for the Heavyweight title. He famously said in 1974: “What’s a million dollars against 8 million Cubans who love me?”

The second country in the rankings, Brazil, has a lot to be proud of with its volleyball performance. With 11 medals, they are soon expected to pass the USSR (yes, you read that correctly) for the most medals ever for that sport.