MADRID, Spain.- The renowned Cuban judo coach Ronaldo Veitía Valdivié died this Monday in Havana at the age of 75, after months fighting for his health after suffering a stroke last August.
The news was announced by the president of the National Sports Institute (Inder), Osvaldo Vento Montiller. “The beloved professor Ronaldo Veitía Valdivié passed away. His contribution to the greatness of Cuban women’s judo assures it a place of honor in the history of our sport,” Montiller said on the social network. Twitter.
The beloved professor Ronaldo Veitía Valdivié passed away. His contribution to the greatness of Cuban women’s judo assures him a place of honor in the history of our sport. We share the pain with family and friends of this battling patriot and faithful to his principles. pic.twitter.com/enA7L9eox2
— Osvaldo C. Vento Montiller (@CMontiller) December 6, 2022
For its part, the official media Granma He expressed: “Veitía has just said goodbye to the world, but only from its physical sphere, because he leaves a legacy that is essential to continue on the path. I imagine how they must feel right now Legna Verdecia, to whom he told that she would be an Olympic champion; Amarilis Savón, whom he did, he scolded, when necessary, but whom he loved as a daughter, for cleaning her on the tatamis and for her Santiago claw. Or Driulis González and Idalys Ortiz, the two brightest pearls in their judoguis. They and all of them were embraced by an unmistakable magistery”.
Veitía, considered one of the best judo coaches feminine worldwide, he was head coach of the selection of this specialty for more than 30 years.
Among his triumphs, five Olympic titles stand out, 12 silver and 13 bronze; having won world championships twice: Japan 1995 and Cairo 2007; and all the titles in the Pan American Games in Mar del Plata that same year.
In Cuba, he was awarded the titles of Doctor Honoris Causa in Physical Culture Sciences from the University of Matanzas and that of Hero of Cuban Labor. Additionally, he was inducted into the International Judo Federation Hall of Fame in 2018.
Ronaldo Veitía, retired in 2014, suffered a stroke last August and was admitted to a medical center in Alicante, Spain, where he was residing. In October he was transferred to Cuba to continue his recovery.
Receive information from CubaNet on your cell phone through WhatsApp. Send us a message with the word “CUBA” on the phone +525545038831, You can also subscribe to our electronic newsletter by giving click here.
