Former Judoka Estela Rodríguez Dies from Cardiac Arrest

April 10, 2022

The once stellar judoka Estela Rodríguez, Cuba's first world champion in the discipline, died in Havana as a victim of a heart attack, confirmed today by the digital media outlet Jit.

According to the information agency of the Cuban Institute of Sports (Inder), Rodríguez was hospitalized at the Joaquín Albarrán Surgical Clinic at the time of her death due to complications associated with diabetes that she suffered from.

Born in the eastern province of Santiago de Cuba, "Estela" as she was called by friends and admirers, stood out within a golden generation of Cuban judo and crowned a legendary record.

Double Olympic silver medalist in the over 72 kilogram category at Barcelona 1992 and Atlanta 1996, two-time champion at the Pan American Games in Havana 1991 and recipient of two other medals at universal competitions, Rodríguez will be an example for future generations of judokas.

Upon learning the news, the vice president of Inder, Omar Venegas, lamented on Twitter the death of the renowned former athlete, whom he described as an indispensable figure in the history of Cuban judo.

He then stated that Estela Rodríguez, thanks to her affable character, always gave off good energy, ending with the hashtag, "Cuba will always remember you. Rest in peace."

"Estela" as she was called by friends and family, reaped multiple successes in her sports career, including also, gold medals at continental competitions in the discipline held in Venezuela 1990 and Canada 1992.

For her outstanding work, Rodríguez was inducted into the Hall of Fame of the Pan American Judo Confederation and chosen by the people among the best 100 athletes of the 20th century in Cuba.

Jit adds that her body will be cremated and transferred to her native province, where family, admirers and friends will pay her a well-deserved tribute.