Iván Román Remembered Among Friends and Family

August 20, 2025

From the Cuban sports system, a posthumous tribute was paid to the Doctor of Sciences of the Second Degree and Hero of Work of the Republic of Cuba, Iván Román Suárez, a towering figure in the development of physical culture on the Island.

In the presence of his children and widow, there were moments to remember a man dedicated to the sciences from sports, a trainer of generations and above all faithful to the profession he loved so much.

The tribute included the first vice president of Inder Raúl Fornés Valenciano, the rector of the University of Sciences of Physical Culture and Sports Silvano Merced Len, Party official Daniel Baz, and Rogelio Montero, advisor to the presidency of Cuba.

In the Magistral Hall of the institution of higher learning, testimonies were heard from those who knew him and shared with him the same passion for the sciences of sports.

In outdoor areas of the Marcelino del Frade Weightlifting Gymnasium, of the university institution itself, family, colleagues and friends planted a tree to perpetuate the memory of the man considered the father of strength exercises in Cuba.

Emotional words from his son Isven and the appearance of Dr. C Jerry Bosque Jiménez marked the day at what was his second home.

"A great man has gone. Friend, colleague, pedagogue, scientist, joker," that was Iván, that's how I'll remember him, said retired José Luis Llano, an authoritative voice of Cuban boxing, to JIT.

In a similar vein, Arnaldo Rivero Fuxá, former head of teaching at the sports organization, expressed himself: "I give thanks to life for having known Iván. I lost a great friend".

Among those in attendance were other Inder executives, sports legends, former students and colleagues from the faculty, all united by the scientific and human legacy that Iván Román Suárez left in the national and international sports sphere.

In 1984 he became the first doctor in the sports sector in Cuba, and in 2006 he achieved the title of Doctor of Sciences of the Second Degree, a reflection of his tireless vocation for professional improvement.

A professor, referee, researcher and writer, he dedicated his life to sports and physical culture, leaving an indelible mark on generations of students and professionals who benefited from his wisdom.

His prestige transcended borders: he was head coach of the Chilean weightlifting team and strength advisor to the Saudi Arabia team at the 2006 FIFA World Cup.

He participated in multiple international events as a referee, including four Central American and Caribbean Games, five Pan American Games, three World Championships and three Olympic Games.

He held positions of high responsibility as president of the Pan American Technical Committee for Weightlifting and of the National Court of Doctors of Sciences of Physical Culture, and was also an advisor to Inder until his death.