Olympic great Maricet Espinosa tragically dies at 34 after devastating complications
Cuban Olympic judo fighter Maricet Espinosa has died at just 34.
Espinosa represented Cuba at the 2016 Rio Olympics in the women’s 63kg event, but had since retired from the sport.
The Pan American Judo Federation (PAJF) confirmed the sad news on Monday.
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“With profound sadness, we say goodbye to a legend of Panamerican and Cuban judo,” it said in a statement.
The federation did not release details of how Espinosa passed away, though it’s understood she died of a heart attack following complications from breast surgery, according to Judo Inside.
Espinosa was Pan American champion in back-to-back years in 2013 and 2014, reached Olympic level in 2016, before retiring the next year.
“Maricet Espinosa, fondly known as ‘La Mole,’ leaves an unerasable legacy,” PAJF said.
“Two-time Pan American champion, world medallist and an Olympic representative in Rio 2016. Rest in peace, dear Maricet.
“Our condolences to her family and to Cuban judo.
“Your spirit and your achievements will endure forever.”
She competed in a number of grand slam events, including winning bronze medals at Rio, Tokyo and Baku.
The Cuban champion made her international debut in 2008.
