The sports world reacts to the capture of Nicolás Maduro

Sports Writing (EFE).- The capture of Nicolás Maduro in Caracas during a United States military operation provoked, since January 3, a wave of reactions in the international sports arena, with pronouncements from athletes of different disciplines and nationalities, as well as direct consequences on the Venezuelan sports calendar.

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Almost immediately, the main professional competitions in the country were suspended. The Venezuelan Professional Baseball League (LVBP) announced the provisional suspension of its schedule as a preventive measure to safeguard the safety of players, staff, and fans. A similar situation could affect the Apertura tournament of Venezuelan soccer, scheduled to begin on January 30, according to what was announced by directors of some of the 14 participating clubs. Also, the traditional Vuelta al Táchira, one of the country's most emblematic cycling events, was left in uncertainty, even though its start was scheduled for January 9.

Messages of support and celebration

Hours after the military operation ordered by U.S. President Donald Trump, Mexican Formula One driver Sergio “Checo” Pérez expressed his support for the Venezuelan people through a message on Instagram.
«Venezuelan brothers, I send you a hug with much affection. You are an example that faith is never lost. My prayers are with all of you. Free Venezuela», wrote the Cadillac team driver. In soccer, Colombian Juan Guillermo Cuadrado, currently at Pisa in Italy, invited his followers to pray for Venezuela and expressed his satisfaction with the capture of Maduro. "The wait was long. Free Venezuela," he posted along with an image of the national flag. Athlete Erik Noya, a climber born in Caracas and naturalized Spanish in 2019, also celebrated the event enthusiastically through a video on social media, in which he expressed his joy without reservation and launched harsh criticism against the followers of Chavismo.

Statements that generate debate

Another message that had a wide impact was that of the former Venezuelan soccer player Gabriel Cichero, with a past in Newell’s Old Boys and the national team. Under the title “Freedom 2026”, he shared an image of his time as a player for the Vinotinto and dedicated words of encouragement to the Venezuelan people.

The canoeist Cristian Toro, gold Olympic medalist in Rio 2016, also joined the reactions with a video in which he expressed his satisfaction with the capture of Maduro. Toro recalled his personal experience living under the governments of Hugo Chávez and Nicolás Maduro, and encouraged citizens to actively participate in political debates. "There's still a long way to go, it doesn't end here, but it's important that people express themselves and don't remain silent," he affirmed.

Controversial Publications

Special attention was generated by the message from cyclist Stefany Hernández, bronze medalist in BMX at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games. Through Instagram, the athlete published a message after the attacks registered in Caracas during the early hours of Saturday, in which she assured that she was safe and asked for peace for Venezuela. Subsequently, he shared images of the sunrise in the country accompanied by the message: "God with us." For his part, golfer Jhonattan Vegas, one of the most critical Venezuelan athletes regarding the political situation in his country, openly celebrated the capture of Maduro through his social media, expressing his hope for a change of course for Venezuela. "¡Viva Venezuela!", wrote the PGA Tour player, accompanied by multiple national flags and messages in both Spanish and English.