Three Cuban sports legends passed away last week, casting a shadow of mourning over the sports community on the island. The digital platform JIT highlighted several aspects of their lives, emphasizing their integration into the "revolutionary sports system."
Abel Sarmientos, a former Cuban volleyball player, died in Havana at the age of 61, living in poverty and largely forgotten. As a member of the generation that propelled Cuban volleyball to global prominence, he was an extraordinary attacker for the national team over a span of 14 years, from 1981 to 1994. The state-run media highlighted his achievements, including winning the 1989 Japan World Cup and runner-up finishes in the 1991 and 1992 World Leagues.
Meanwhile, Cuban handball player Imara Valdés passed away early Friday morning at the age of 38. A member of the national handball team, she apparently lost her battle with cancer, leaving behind two young children. JIT noted her accomplishments, including a silver medal at the 2007 Pan American Games in Rio de Janeiro and championships at the 2010 Havana Continental Tournament and the 2006 Central American and Caribbean Games in the Dominican Republic.
Less information is available about Juan de Dios Machado. According to JIT, he "ventured into professional circuits and, following the triumph of the Revolution, remained connected to the Cuban sports system."
Osvaldo Vento Montiller, president of the Cuban Institute of Sports, Physical Education and Recreation (INDER), dedicated a message on social media platform X, saying, "We share in the grief of the families and friends of Cuban sports icons Abel Sarmiento (volleyball), Imara Valdez (handball), and Juan de Dios Machado (professional boxing), who passed away in recent hours."
Impact of the Loss of Cuban Sports Icons
The passing of these notable athletes has raised several questions about their legacy and the current state of Cuban sports. Here, we address some of the most common inquiries.
What were Abel Sarmientos' major achievements in volleyball?
Abel Sarmientos was known for winning the 1989 Japan World Cup and securing runner-up finishes in the 1991 and 1992 World Leagues with the Cuban national team.
How did Imara Valdés contribute to Cuban handball?
Imara Valdés was a key player in the national handball team, earning a silver medal at the 2007 Pan American Games and winning championships at the 2010 Havana Continental Tournament and the 2006 Central American and Caribbean Games.
What is known about Juan de Dios Machado's career?
Details about Juan de Dios Machado are limited, but he is known to have ventured into professional circuits and remained connected to the Cuban sports system after the Revolution.