The legendary Cuban sprinter Hermes Julián Ramírez Limonta, an Olympic silver medalist and triple Pan American runner-up in the 4x100 relay, has passed away at the age of 76. The National Institute of Sports, Physical Education and Recreation (INDER) announced the news on Wednesday, but did not specify the cause of death.
"Olympic silver medalist in Mexico 1968 (4x100) and triple Pan American runner-up in that event, he also stood out for his pedagogical work," the organization posted on its Twitter account.
Born in Guantánamo on January 7, 1948, Hermes Julián Ramírez Limonta was active for 12 years on the Cuban national team. The specialized magazine JIT described him as one of the fastest Cuban sprinters, thanks to his impressive start and unique running capabilities. During his prime, he held the world's best time for the 100 meters among juniors (10.2 seconds), clocked 10 seconds in that distance four times, and was one of the few Cuban runners to participate in three Olympics: Mexico '68, Munich '72, and Montreal '76.
Legacy and Achievements
"Founder of the School Games, multi-medallist in Central American and Pan American Games," the publication recalls. "He was a committed Cuban who achieved his successes as an athlete and trainer with a great sense of dignity," said INDER President Osvaldo Vento Montiller.
In 2020, in an interview with journalist Julia Osendi, he recounted his beginnings in athletics in Havana, where he had lived since the age of four. In 1964, he competed in the second School Games and won in the 100 and 200 meters, finishing second in the 4x100 relay. He then experienced one of the most bitter moments of his life. The elimination rounds for the Tokyo 1964 Olympics required a minimum mark of 10.4 seconds in the 100 meters, which the 16-year-old achieved without any issues. "You can imagine the joy I felt, but why is there always a 'but'? The then-president of INDER, José Llanuza, decided my youth was a handicap and prevented my participation, depriving me of accumulating four Olympics in my resume," he lamented.
After retiring from sports, Hermes Ramírez worked as a physical education teacher at the Military Technical Institute. He spent four years coaching the national team and provided services in Mexico and Panama. His body will be laid to rest at the Calzada and K funeral home in Havana.
Key Moments in Hermes Ramírez's Athletic Career
Here are some frequently asked questions about the life and career of Hermes Ramírez, a significant figure in Cuban athletics.
What were Hermes Ramírez's major achievements?
Hermes Ramírez was an Olympic silver medalist in the 4x100 relay in Mexico 1968 and a triple Pan American runner-up in the same event. He held the world's best junior time for 100 meters (10.2 seconds) and participated in three Olympic Games: Mexico '68, Munich '72, and Montreal '76.
What was Hermes Ramírez's contribution to Cuban athletics after his retirement?
After retiring, Hermes Ramírez worked as a physical education teacher at the Military Technical Institute and served as a coach for the national team. He also provided coaching services in Mexico and Panama.
Why was Hermes Ramírez prevented from participating in the Tokyo 1964 Olympics?
Despite meeting the qualifying time, Hermes Ramírez was prevented from participating in the Tokyo 1964 Olympics because the INDER president at the time, José Llanuza, deemed his youth to be a handicap.