CaribWorldNews, NEW YORK, NY, Mon. Aug. 11, 2008: Cuba has become the first Caribbean nation to win medals at the 2008 Beijing Olympics.

The Cuban nation is leading the Caribbean and Latin American regions so far in Olympic medals won with two. 

Cuban athlete Yordanis Arencibia won the bronze on Sunday in the men's judo 66-kilogram weight class. His countrywoman, Yanet Bermoy, 21, won silver on Saturday in the women`s 48-kilogram judo event.

This is the 28-year-old Arencibia`s second Olympic bronze. He picked up the first in 2004.

There are high hopes that, with its impressive array of athletic talent, the region will reap a historic medal haul this year.

The Olympics got under way in China on Friday amidst a mind boggling and awe inspiring opening ceremony that married technology and tradition in its presentation of China`s vibrant culture.