Pedro Pérez Dueñas, Cuba's First World Record Holder, Has Passed Away

July 19, 2018

Cuba's first world record holder, the native of Pinar del Río Pedro Pérez Dueñas, passed away on July 18 in Havana at the age of 66.

His triple jump of 17.40 meters during the 1971 Cali Pan American Games not only elevated him to the top of the podium in that competition but also secured him a lifetime place in the history of revolutionary sports.

Central American champion in Panama 1970 and four years later in Santo Domingo and multiple national record holder, Pérez Dueñas at the time of his death worked as a specialist in Sports Medicine at Cuba's National Institute of Sports, Physical Education and Recreation (Inder), and also shared his knowledge and experience with the Cuban Athletics Federation.

He received the Order of Olympic Merit and deservedly became a member of the Hall of Fame of Athletics of Central America and the Caribbean for his athletic career.

We extend our sincere condolences to his family and friends.