GOLDEN FOOTPRINT: ALBERTO JUANTORENA

NEWS

GOLDEN FOOTPRINT: ALBERTO JUANTORENA

Feb 17, 2025

Alberto Juantorena, known as “The Horse,” was born in Santiago de Cuba on December 3, 1950. He began his athletic career at the age of 20 as a basketball player, although he himself considered his results in this sport to be very poor. Shortly afterward, his talent for athletics was discovered by Polish coach Zygmunt Zabierzowski, and Juantorena quickly excelled in this new discipline.

OLYMPIC GLORY: MONTREAL 1976

Initially, he competed only in the 400 meters, but it was not until the 1976 Montreal Olympic Games that his talent shone on a global level. In those games, he won two gold medals in the 400 and 800 meters. His victory in the 800 meters was especially remarkable, as he set a world record with an impressive time of 1:43.50.

RECOGNITION AND ACHIEVEMENTS

Beyond his Olympic medals, Juantorena was a multi-medalist in the Central American and Pan American Games, leaving his mark with several records in various athletics competitions. In 1976, he was named Athlete of the Year by the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF), and in 1984, he was selected as a member of the International Olympic Committee. From this position, he has promoted the development of sports in Cuba and the region.

LIFE AFTER RETIREMENT: A CONTINUOUS BATTLE

After retiring from the tracks, Juantorena has been involved in sports administration, remaining a strong advocate for athletics in Cuba. In 2022, he faced health issues due to COVID-19, which led to his hospitalization for several days. Recently, a photo of the athlete shared on social media revealed that his current health condition is delicate, as he is confined to a wheelchair due to a degenerative disease. Despite this, Juantorena continues his rehabilitation, and it is hoped that he will overcome this illness and continue his duties as a sports official.

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A LEGACY OF PERSEVERANCE

Alberto Juantorena remains an iconic figure in athletics. His legacy goes beyond medals and records, standing as a symbol of perseverance and dedication both on and off the track.