Defection Protection

(Fox News) - About 200 Cuban athletes and coaches participating in the Pan American Games in Brazil have been rushed home amid fears by the Castro government that there could be a mass defection.

Media reports say the athletes were whisked to the airport before the end of the games after four participants defected — and amid rumors that many more were planning to join them.

The exodus happened so quickly that the Cuban men's volleyball team did not get to collect its bronze medals. Cuba was running second behind the U.S. in the overall team standings before leaving.