Cuban volleyball player Raúl Vilches dies in Colombia, victim of cancer

January 15, 2022

The Cuban Volleyball Federation expressed its condolences on Thursday for the death of former player Raúl Vilches, a victim of cancer.

The tall attacker, standing two meters in height, was part of Cuba's national team for 18 years, with which he won the bronze medal at the 1976 Montreal Olympic Games.

His outstanding record of service also highlights his participation in the 1980 Moscow Olympic Games, as well as in four world championships and two world cups.

On several occasions he was a medalist at Pan American Games, including gold titles in the 1975 Mexico and 1979 San Juan editions, and silver medals in 1983 Caracas and 1987 Indianapolis.

After his retirement from active sports, this affable and chivalrous player worked as a coach for the national youth and senior teams.

He had resided in Colombia since 1998, where he died after several weeks of hospitalization. He maintained ties with the Cuban Volleyball Federation, his collective of athletes, coaches, and sports legends.

The Cuban Volleyball Federation has expressed its deepest condolences to his family and friends.