The wrestling champion Héctor Milián has already been discharged

July 14, 2021

The multi-champion world and Cuban Olympic medalist Héctor Milián, who was admitted in serious condition due to Covid-19 in Havana, is recovering at home from the illness after being discharged, reported the Cuban Federation of Associated Wrestling (FCLA).

The Greco-Roman style wrestler was hospitalized at the Luis Díaz Soto Military Hospital for covid-19.

The FCLA added in its report that wrestler José Mario Olivera also returned to his home after overcoming the new coronavirus. Olivera, runner-up of the Athens World Cup and Pan-American champion in 1987 in Indianapolis, was not reported as being ill.

According to the official statement, members and coaches of the national Greco wrestling team will remain isolated in their homes until they are given new PCR tests to confirm their complete recovery.

The Federation thanked the displays of affection and respect shown toward both former athletes, who work as coaches of the discipline.

The "King," a nickname that Milián earned for being a specialist in throwing suplexes despite competing in the over 100-kilogram category, retired from active sports after the Sydney Olympics in 2000. He is considered one of the best athletes of the past century on the Island.

A native of Pinar del Rio and 53 years old just over a month ago, Milián has in his trophy cases, in addition to the Olympic gold, golden medals in a world championship, five in world cups, four in Pan-American Games, and two in Central American Games; in addition to silver medals in three world championships, and two World Cups.

For all these results, he was chosen the best wrestler of the 20th century in Cuba.

The new coronavirus has struck Cuban sports before. In April, Higinio Vélez, president of the Cuban Baseball Federation, died a victim of Covid-19. His death occurred just two weeks after, for the same reason, Ernesto Reynoso, the national commissioner of the discipline, died.