Silvio Amado Michell Rengifo "El Criollo", prominent wrestling coach, passed away

May 7, 2021

The Cuban family of combat sports mourns the passing of Silvio Amado Michell Rengifo "El Criollo", a prominent coach of youth national teams.

Michell passed away on Tuesday, May 4th at the age of 76, a victim of cancer.

The Havana native was part of the Cuban team as an athlete in the 1960s of the last century, and after his retirement he dedicated himself entirely to the training of new generations.

Through his hands, at the National Spa, passed legendary figures of Greco-Roman wrestling such as Olympic champions Héctor Milián, Filiberto Azcuy, Mijaín López and Ismael Borrero.

He also directed the classic squad that in 1992 achieved first place in the youth world championship, held in Cali, Colombia. On that occasion his students competed for eight of the 10 gold medals and won six.

Michell was affectionately called "El Criollo", for his charisma and popularity.

His remains were buried on Wednesday in the Sports Pantheon of the Colón Necropolis.

Senior authorities of Inder and the Cuban Olympic Committee have expressed their condolences to family members, friends and colleagues.