Cuban handball player Imara Valdés passed away early Friday morning at the age of 38, according to reports on social media. A member of the national handball team, Imara reportedly lost her battle with cancer, leaving behind two young children.
"She passed away in the early hours, a victim of widespread cancer. Everything happened very quickly and unexpectedly," wrote a user on Facebook.
Imara's family members posted messages of condolence on the same social network. "May God hold you in His glory, precious. Only He knows why He takes away the beautiful people who are loved by their families. My cousin, the youngest and the fiercest warrior, is gone. A kiss to Aunt Eloísa, until we meet again," expressed Kenia Ador, Imara's cousin.
Another member of the Cuban national handball team, Ayling Martínez, stated, "Today is a sad day. One of the greats of Cuban handball, a great friend, and teammate has just left us. I have no words to express the pain I feel. May God hold you in His glory."
Osvaldo Vento Montiller, president of the Institute of Sports, Physical Education, and Recreation (INDER), expressed his sorrow over the death on his X profile, noting that Imara's passing comes shortly after the loss of two other athletes.
Imara Valdés Agramonte was born on April 13, 1986, in the Virginia neighborhood of Santa Clara. She was the only athlete in her family.
She joined handball at the age of 11 while attending the "Celia Sánchez" semi-boarding school, motivated by a physical education coach who loved the sport.
In 2003, at just seventeen years old, she was included in the national pre-selection team for handball. She participated in several international competitions, including the 2007 Pan American Games in Rio de Janeiro and the 2008 Olympic Qualifying Tournament in Germany, where the team finished second behind Brazil.
Imara retired from active sports in 2010 and received the distinction of Cuban Sports Glory from the direction of INDER in Villa Clara.
Imara Valdés: A Legacy in Cuban Handball
Below are some frequently asked questions regarding the life and career of Imara Valdés, her contribution to Cuban handball, and the impact of her passing.
What were Imara Valdés's major achievements in handball?
Imara Valdés participated in two major international competitions: the 2007 Pan American Games in Rio de Janeiro and the 2008 Olympic Qualifying Tournament in Germany, where her team finished second behind Brazil.
When did Imara Valdés start her handball career?
Imara Valdés began playing handball at the age of 11 while attending the "Celia Sánchez" semi-boarding school, motivated by a physical education coach.
What was the cause of Imara Valdés's death?
Imara Valdés passed away due to widespread cancer, which she battled until her early death at the age of 38.
How did the Cuban sports community react to Imara Valdés's passing?
The Cuban sports community expressed deep sorrow and condolences on social media, with notable figures like Osvaldo Vento Montiller and Ayling Martínez sharing heartfelt messages.