Former Cuban judoka Estela Rodríguez Villanueva, world and Olympic champion, recognized as one of the 100 best athletes on the island in the 20th century, passed away in Havana, the country’s sports media reported this Sunday while highlighting his brilliant career.
Rodríguez died as a result of a cardiac arrest in a hospital in the Cuban capital, where she was admitted due to conditions associated with the diabetes she suffered from, said the digital site Jit, a publication of the state-run National Institute of Sports, Physical Education and Recreation (Inder).
Born on 12 November 1967 in the eastern province of Santiago de Cuba, one of the relevant figures of the golden generation of Cuban judo, by becoming the first world champion with the title in the Open division , in Belgrade 1989.
Two silver medals in the Olympic Games in Barcelona 1992 and Atlanta 1996 in the category of more of 72 kilograms, four titles at the Pan American Games, in which he won two golds in the categories over 72 kg and Open, stand out in his track record along with other prizes in international competitions.
Rodríguez was also inducted into the Hall of Fame of the Pan American Judo Confederation.
After retiring from active sports, Rodríguez dedicated himself to training the members of the national preselection of judo.