Cuba is well known for its outstanding judo athletes. Over the years, the country has produced several champions who have achieved great success at a variety of international competitions.
From the first Olympic gold medal in judo, won by Juan Antonio Rosabal in 1972, to the recent Olympic success of Idalys Ortiz in 2016, Cuba has consistently produced top judo players.
Here we will take a look at some of the best judo players in Cuba’s history and the accomplishments they have achieved.
1. Ronaldo Veitía
Ronaldo Veitia Valdivie was an influential figure in Cuban judo. Born on 21 October 1947, he was a judoka and the coach of the Cuban Olympic Judo team. Veitia was a major part of the team’s success, leading them to numerous Olympic medals and world championships.
He was most proud of leading the women’s Judo team to consecutive gold medals at the Pan Am Games since 1975. His passion and dedication to the sport was truly inspiring and he will be remembered for his remarkable accomplishments.
Veitia’s contributions to judo have been invaluable, and his legacy will live on for many years to come.
2. Yordanis Arencibia
Yordanis Arencibia Verdecia is a Cuban judoka who has had great success at the Summer Olympic Games. In 2004, he earned the bronze medal in the men’s half-lightweight category, tying with Georgi Georgiev of Bulgaria.
Four years later in 2008, he won the bronze medal again, this time in a duo with Pak Chol-Min of North Korea. Verdecia has been competing in judo since his teenage years and has had a great amount of success since then.
He has earned numerous medals at various international competitions, including the Pan American Games and the Central American and Caribbean Games.
He is considered to be one of the most successful Cuban judokas in history. Verdecia has had a strong influence on the Cuban judo community and has been a role model for aspiring judokas.
He has been a great ambassador for the sport, and his success at the Olympic Games has inspired many young athletes to take up the sport and follow in his footsteps. His remarkable achievements have earned him a place in the hearts of many judo fans around the world.
3. Idalys Ortiz
Idalys Ortiz Bocourt is a Cuban judoka who has had a successful Olympic career. She competed in the over 78 kg division in the 2008, 2012, and 2016 Olympics, and managed to win a medal in each of these appearances.
Most recently, at the 2020 Summer Olympics held in Tokyo, Japan, she won the silver medal in the women’s 78 kg event. This makes her the first Cuban judoka to win an Olympic medal in four consecutive Olympic Games.
Her success demonstrates her hard work and dedication to the sport and is an inspiration to judokas around the world.
4. Yanet Bermoy Acosta
Yanet Bermoy Acosta is a renowned Cuban judoka, a practitioner of the Japanese martial art of Judo. Her career successes have been remarkable, having won two Olympic medals in judo at consecutive Olympic Games.
In 2008, Acosta won the silver medal in the Women’s 48 kg division at the Beijing Summer Olympics.
Four years later, in the 2012 Summer Olympics in London, Acosta repeated her feat by again earning a silver medal in the Women’s 52 kg division. Acosta’s accomplishments speak volumes about her talent and determination.
She has been able to maintain a high level of performance over a long period of time, which is a testament to her hard work and dedication. Her success on the world stage serves as an inspiration to judokas everywhere, and to all athletes who strive for excellence.
5. Asley González
Asley González is a Cuban judoka, a martial artist who participates in the sport of judo. He is highly decorated for his accomplishments in the sport, most notably winning the 2013 World Championship in the −90 kg event.
In addition, he was able to secure a silver medal in the Men’s 90 kg competition at the 2012 Summer Olympics. This is a remarkable achievement, as the Olympics are the world’s most prestigious sporting event.
González has undoubtedly cemented his place as one of the world’s most prominent judokas, and his success is a credit to his hard work and dedication.
6. Magdiel Estrada
Magdiel Estrada is a Cuban judoka, which is a sport that combines elements of both wrestling and martial arts. He was selected to represent Cuba at the 2016 Summer Olympics in the men’s 73 kg event. Unfortunately, he was eliminated in the second round by Lasha Shavdatuashvili.
Despite this setback, Estrada was determined to compete at the highest level again and was selected to represent Cuba at the 2020 Summer Olympics.
He was the only Cuban judoka to compete in this global event, and his presence was a great representation of the country’s determination and perseverance.
Estrada is a shining example of the spirit of the Cuban people, and his participation in the 2020 Summer Olympics was a great achievement.
7. Driulis González
Driulis González Morales is a Cuban judoka who has achieved great success in her field. She is a four-time Olympic medallist, having won a gold medal at the 1996 Olympics.
In addition to her impressive Olympic record, she was also selected to carry the flag for her native country at the opening ceremony of the 2007 Pan American Games in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
This was a great honor for her and a testament to her accomplishments in the sport of judo. Driulis González Morales is an inspirational athlete, having overcome adversity to become one of the most decorated judokas in the world.
She serves as an inspiration to young judoka everywhere, showing them that anything is possible if you set your mind to it.
8. Legna Verdecia
Legna Verdecia Rodríguez is a Cuban judoka who has achieved remarkable success in her sport. She has won Olympic medals in both 1996 and 2000, a testament to her skill and dedication to the sport.
Over the course of her career, which spanned from 1989 to 2006, she won 165 out of 187 fights, making her one of the most successful Cuban judoka in history.
This is a remarkable achievement and one that should be celebrated. Rodríguez has made her mark in the sport of judo, showing that Cuba can produce talent in this sport. She has shown that with hard work and dedication, it is possible to achieve Olympic success.
Her medal-winning efforts are an inspiration to all aspiring judokas and to athletes in general. Rodríguez is an example of how dedication and hard work can bring success.
She has shown that with the right attitude and commitment, it is possible to make a name for oneself in the world of sports. Her success serves as an example of what is possible with the right attitude and dedication.
9. Daima Beltrán
Daima Mayelis Beltrán Guisado is a renowned Cuban judoka who has achieved remarkable success in the sport.
She won the silver medal in the women’s Heavyweight category at the 2000 Summer Olympics and repeated that feat at the 2004 Summer Olympics in Athens, Greece. Beltrán is now dedicating her time to helping other female athletes reach their potential in judo.
She is currently training the Mexican Judo women’s team at the CONADE facilities.
This is a great opportunity for Beltrán to share her knowledge and experience with up-and-coming athletes, as well as provide valuable insight into the sport. Beltrán has proven herself to be a force to be reckoned with in the judo world.
Her commitment to excellence and dedication to teaching the sport has made her an inspiration to aspiring female judokas around the world. Her accomplishments and influence will continue to be felt for many years to come.
10. Isaac Azcuy
Isaac Azcuy is a Cuban athlete who has a distinguished history of competing in the Olympic Games. He first participated in the 1972 Summer Olympics in Munich, Germany in the judo discipline.
In that tournament, he achieved a notable result for a Cuban athlete, placing 8th overall. His success in the 1972 Olympics inspired him to continue competing in judo, and eight years later he was chosen to represent Cuba in the 1980 Summer Olympics in Moscow, Russia.
During this tournament, Azcuy achieved an honorable 7th-place finish in the judo discipline. His combined results in both the 1972 and 1980 Olympics cemented his legacy as a successful Cuban judoka.
11. Yalennis Castillo
Yalennis Castillo Ramírez is a Cuban judoka who was born in Moa, Holguín, Cuba on the 21st of May, 1986. She has been practicing judo since she was a young child.
Her first taste of success in the sport came in 2005, where she won medals at both the Pan American Games and the Leonding Tournament in Austria.
This success kick-started her impressive career as a judoka, which has seen her go on to achieve numerous medals throughout the years. Castillo is a dedicated athlete who has worked hard to perfect her craft.
Her success is a testament to her hard work and determination, and she is an inspiration to aspiring judokas all over the world.
12. Anaysi Hernández
Anaysi Hernández Sarriá is an inspiring athlete from Cuba. She is a judoka, which is a traditional Japanese martial art involving grappling and throwing techniques. At the 2008 Summer Olympics, Anaysi won the silver medal in the women’s 70kg division.
This impressive accomplishment highlights the dedication and strength that she has as an athlete. Anaysi’s medal-winning performance at the Olympics is an inspiration to other athletes, especially in her native Cuba.
Not only did she compete on a grand stage, but she also achieved a world-class result. Her success serves as a reminder of the potential that can be unlocked through hard work and perseverance.
Anaysi’s determination and success have earned her great respect in her home country of Cuba. She is a role model for other Cuban athletes, showing what can be achieved if you set your mind to it.
Her accomplishments are a source of pride for the Cuban people and serve as an example of what can be achieved with hard work and dedication. Anaysi Hernández Sarriá is an incredible athlete who has achieved great success as a judoka.
Her silver medal at the 2008 Summer Olympics is a testament to her dedication and hard work. She is an inspiration to Cuban athletes and a source of pride for the Cuban people.
13. Manolo Poulot
Manolo Poulot Ramos is a Cuban judoka who made history in the 2000 Summer Olympics. He won a bronze medal in the Men’s Extra Lightweight category, tying for the win with Aidyn Smagulov.
Ramos was the first Cuban judoka to win an Olympic medal in his weight class, and his efforts helped to further establish Cuba as a judo powerhouse in the international arena. Ramos had been a judoka for most of his life, beginning his judo training as a child in Cuba.
He trained under the guidance of top coaches and mentors and quickly distinguished himself as a judoka of remarkable skill and talent.
Throughout his career, Ramos achieved many successes, including a bronze medal at the Pan-American Judo Championships in 1995 and a gold medal at the Central American and Caribbean Games in 1998.
At the 2000 Olympics in Sydney, Australia, Ramos competed in the Men’s Extra Lightweight category. In a stunning finish, he and Aidyn Smagulov tied for the bronze medal, making Ramos the first Cuban judoka to win an Olympic medal in his weight class.
His remarkable achievement was a major milestone for Cuban judo, and his success helped to solidify Cuba’s status as a judo powerhouse. Manolo Poulot Ramos’s impressive career and his impressive Olympic performance have left a lasting legacy in the world of judo.
His hard work, dedication, and skill have earned him a place among the very best judokas in the world. He is a shining example of Cuban excellence, and his achievements will always be remembered.
14. Onix Cortés
Onix Cortés Aldama is a Cuban judoka who competed for her country at the 2012 Summer Olympics. Aldama gave a valiant effort but was defeated in her first match by Japan’s Haruka Tachimoto.
Aldama is an experienced judoka, having competed in many international tournaments prior to the Olympics. She has even won gold medals at the Pan American Judo Championships. Despite her experience and dedication, she was unable to defeat her Japanese opponent at the Olympics.
Aldama can take pride in the fact that she was one of only two female judokas to compete for Cuba at the event, and she put forth a hard-fought effort that was ultimately unsuccessful.
15. Diadenis Luna
Diadenis Luna Castellano is a Cuban judoka who achieved great success in her sport. She was a talented athlete and her hard work paid off when she earned a bronze medal at the 1996 Summer Olympics.
Luna Castellano competed in the women’s Half Heavyweight category and shared the medal with Ylenia Scapin, who also competed in the same category. This was a remarkable achievement for both athletes and a great moment for the Cuban judo team as a whole.
Luna Castellano was a dedicated judo athlete who trained hard for her Olympic debut. She was determined to make her nation proud and was rewarded for her efforts with a bronze medal.
Her success was shared with Ylenia Scapin, who also trained hard and gave it her all at the 1996 Summer Olympics. This moment of glory for both athletes was a source of pride for the Cuban judo team and a symbol of their hard work and dedication.
Luna Castellano and Ylenia Scapin’s success at the 1996 Summer Olympics is a testament to their hard work and dedication. It was a momentous achievement for both athletes and a great moment for the Cuban judo team.
The bronze medal that they both earned in the women’s half-heavyweight category was a symbol of their determination and resilience. Their success is a source of pride for their nation and an inspiration for future generations of judo athletes.
16. Israel Hernández
Israel Hernández Planas is a Cuban judoka who has achieved great success in his sport. He competed in the 1992 and 1996 Summer Olympics, where he won bronze medals in the men’s Half Lightweight category.
His success in the Olympics demonstrates his dedication to the sport of judo and his ability to perform at the highest level. Hernández Planas is a highly respected athlete in the judo world, and his accomplishments are a source of pride for his home country of Cuba.
He has been praised for his hard work and determination, and his medals are a testament to his skill and perseverance. Hernández Planas is a role model for aspiring judokas everywhere, showing that hard work and dedication can pay off in the end.
His medals are a reminder that passion and commitment can help one achieve their goals, no matter how difficult the journey may be. He is an inspiration for those who want to follow in his footsteps and pursue their dreams.
17. Maricet Espinosa
Maricet Espinosa is a Cuban judoka, a practitioner of the martial art of judo. She was chosen to represent Cuba at the 2016 Summer Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
Espinosa competed in the women’s 63 kg event, in which she encountered Yarden Gerbi of Israel in the second round. Unfortunately, Espinosa was unable to move past this round, as Gerbi defeated her. As a result, Espinosa was eliminated from the competition.
Despite this, Espinosa has achieved a great deal of success in her judo career, with two gold medals in the Pan American Judo Championships.
The Cuban judoka has also won a gold medal in the Central American and Caribbean Games, and a bronze medal in the 2018 Pan American Judo Championships.
18. Kaliema Antomarchi
Kaliema Antomarchi Ortega is an incredibly accomplished judoka from Cuba. She began her career as a judoka in 2017 when she won a bronze medal at the World Judo Championships in Budapest.
This accomplishment put her on the map and further propelled her to represent Cuba in the 2020 Summer Olympics. During this event she competed in the women’s 78 kg event. This was a huge milestone in her career and she has continued to strive to make her mark in the judo world.
Her success is an inspiration to many and she has achieved a lot in such a short amount of time.
19. Óscar Brayson
Óscar René Brayson Vidal is a talented judoka from Cuba. He was born in the city of Camagüey and has achieved remarkable success in his sport. In 2008, he competed in the Summer Olympics and won a bronze medal.
This was a major accomplishment for a Cuban athlete and for Brayson Vidal personally. He has since continued to be a successful judoka, competing in numerous tournaments and earning international recognition for his skills.
His bronze medal win at the 2008 Summer Olympics certainly put him on the map, and he continues to be a respected figure in the judo world.
20. Yurisleidy Lupetey
Yurisleidy Lupetey Cobas is an accomplished judoka from Cuba. In 2001, she achieved the highest honor in her sport when she became the World Champion in the –57 kg division.
Four years later, Lupetey competed in the 2004 Summer Olympics in the women’s Lightweight category, where she won the bronze medal alongside Dutch judoka Deborah Gravenstijn. Lupetey’s success didn’t stop there, as she continued to compete in the Olympics in 2008 and 2012.
Despite not medalling in either of these appearances, she demonstrated her dedication to judo and her commitment to the highest level of competition. Her longevity in the sport is impressive and speaks to her immense skill as a judoka.
21. Ricardo Tuero
Ricardo Tuero is a Cuban judoka who competed in the men’s lightweight event at the 1980 Summer Olympics. He is a highly decorated athlete who has achieved great success in his sport.
He has won numerous awards and honors, including a bronze medal in the 1980 Summer Olympics in the men’s lightweight event. Ricardo Tuero began his judo career at a young age and has competed in tournaments and events around the world.
He has won several Pan American Judo Championships and was a four-time Cuban National Judo Champion. He was also a two-time World Cup Judo Champion and a two-time Central American Judo Champion. Ricardo Tuero is considered to be one of the best judoka in the world.
He has trained and competed with some of the top judoka in the world and has received high praise from his peers. He has been featured in magazines and newspapers and is a well-known figure in the judo community. Ricardo Tuero has been an inspiration to many.
He has shown that with hard work and dedication, anything is possible. He is an example of the power of determination and perseverance. He is an example of how to reach your goals and make your dreams come true.
22. Maylín del Toro Carvajal
Maylín del Toro Carvajal is a Cuban judoka who has achieved great success in her sport. She has won two gold medals at the Pan American Judo Championships, both in the -63 kg weight class.
Her success earned her a spot on the Cuban team at the 2020 Summer Olympics, where she had the opportunity to show the world her impressive judo skills.Maylín del Toro Carvajal is a shining example of what hard work and dedication can achieve.
She has worked hard to hone her judo skills and her determination to succeed has paid off in the form of two Pan American Judo Championships gold medals.
Her success has also earned her the chance to represent her country at the highest level of international competition, the Olympics. Maylín del Toro Carvajal is an inspiration to all aspiring judokas.
Her story of hard work and dedication in the pursuit of excellence is an example of what can be achieved with the right mindset and attitude.
She has shown that success in judo can be achieved through hard work and determination, and she has been rewarded for her efforts with two gold medals and a place on the Cuban team at the Olympics. Maylín del Toro Carvajal is a testament to the potential of Cuban judoka.
Her achievements have shown the world that Cuban judokas can compete at the highest levels of the sport and that success is possible with the right attitude and dedication to excellence.
Maylín del Toro Carvajal’s story is one of hard work and determination, and she serves as a role model to all aspiring judokas.
23. Frank Moreno
Frank Esteban Moreno García is a retired Cuban judoka who competed in the Olympics twice. He was very successful during his career, with a number of medals to show for it. He made his mark in the Pan American Games, specifically in the Men’s Heavyweight division.
He was a formidable competitor, having secured medals in some of the events he participated in. During his time as a judoka, he showcased his impressive skills and techniques, something that earned him the respect and admiration of his peers.
He was a proud representative of his country in the international judo arena and was a source of inspiration for many of his compatriots. Frank Esteban Moreno García was a true champion who will forever be remembered for his accomplishments.
24. Amarilis Savón
Amarilis Savón Carmenate is an incredible athlete who has achieved the highest level of success in judo. She is from Cuba and has competed in four Olympic Games, winning three bronze medals in 1992, 1996 and 2004.
Her successes have earned her fame and recognition in the judo world. Amarilis is now living in Miami, Florida, in the United States. She is making use of her expertise in judo by serving as a lead instructor and coach at Somerset Academy Charter.
Her experience in competing in the Olympics has enabled her to share her knowledge and help develop the skills of judokas in the academy. Her dedication and enthusiasm is an inspiration to her students and she is helping to spread the joy of judo across the United States.
25. Ivan Felipe Silva Morales
Iván Felipe Silva Morales is an accomplished Cuban judoka, competing in the 81 and 90 kg divisions.
He has achieved a number of impressive feats in his career, including a silver medal at the 2015 Pan American Games and bronze medals at the 2014 and 2016 Pan American Championships.
His performance at the 2016 Olympics was less successful, as he was eliminated in the second round. Nevertheless, he was able to prove his worth by representing Cuba at the 2020 Summer Olympics.
Throughout his career, Iván Felipe Silva Morales has consistently been a top-level judoka, showing his impressive skill and dedication to the sport.
26. Juan Ferrer
Juan Ferrer Lahera was a Cuban judoka who had the honour of competing in the 1980 Summer Olympics. His legacy, however, goes beyond his own accomplishments.
He is also remembered for his work as a trainer, having helped to mentor some of the greatest Cuban judokas including Ernesto R. Cortes. Cortes won a silver and gold medal in the Central and Panamerican games, a testament to the success of Lahera’s training.
Lahera’s impact on Cuban judo can be felt in the many successes of the Cuban judokas who have followed in his footsteps, and his work is a lasting tribute to the power of the human spirit.
27. Estela Rodríguez
Estela Rodríguez Villanueva was a Cuban judoka who achieved great success in the sport. She won two Olympic silver medals, one at the 1992 Summer Olympics and one at the 1996 Summer Olympics, both in the Half Heavyweight category.
Unfortunately, at the 1996 Olympics, she was found to have taken a banned diuretic drug called furosemide. However, rather than being stripped of her medals, she was only issued with a reprimand and was allowed to keep her medals.
This shows that Estela was a highly successful judoka, and respected by the Olympic Committee. Despite making a mistake, she was not unfairly punished and was given the chance to keep her hard-earned medals.
28. Héctor Lombard
Héctor Miguel Lombard Pedrosa is an accomplished athlete who has achieved success in multiple disciplines. He is a professional mixed martial artist, bodybuilder, and former Olympic judoka.
Lombard has competed in competitions in three different weight divisions: light heavyweight, middleweight, and welterweight.
He is currently competing in the light heavyweight division for Eagle FC, a mixed martial arts organization. Lombard’s background in Olympic judo has helped him become a formidable fighter in the MMA world.
He has developed a powerful and aggressive style of striking and grappling, making him a feared opponent in the octagon.
Lombard has also been successful in bodybuilding, having competed in multiple competitions and achieved impressive results. Overall, Héctor Miguel Lombard Pedrosa is a multi-faceted athlete who has achieved success in multiple disciplines.
His versatility and expertise make him a formidable opponent in both the MMA and bodybuilding worlds.
29. Mijaín López
Mijaín López Núñez is a Cuban Greco-Roman wrestler who has achieved tremendous success in his sport. He is a four-time Olympic gold medalist, five-time World Champion, and five-time Pan American Games champion.
His remarkable accomplishments have made him a legendary figure in the world of wrestling and he is widely considered one of the greatest wrestlers of all time. Mijaín is also the younger brother of Michel López Núñez, a Cuban amateur boxer.
The two brothers have both had enormous success in their respective sports and have become a source of national pride in Cuba. Mijaín has become one of the most decorated athletes in Cuban sports history.
He has won numerous competitions and accolades, including four Olympic gold medals, five world championships, and five Pan American Games championships. He is also the only athlete from Cuba to have won multiple Olympic gold medals.
His impressive achievements have earned him worldwide recognition and respect. Mijaín and his brother Michel are an inspiration to millions of people around the world. Their success has been a testament to the power of determination, hard work, and dedication.
They have demonstrated that with the right attitude and dedication, anything is possible.
30. Andy Granda
Andy Granda is an accomplished judoka and a proud Cuban. He has won multiple medals across multiple international tournaments. In 2019, he won the gold medal in the men’s 100 kg event at the Pan American Games held in Lima, Peru.
This impressive feat was preceded five years prior in 2014, when Granda won the gold medal in the men’s team event at the Central American and Caribbean Games held in Veracruz, Mexico.
His accomplishments have made him a highly respected athlete, not just in Cuba, but in the global judo community. He continues to strive for excellence in the sport, and his successes are a testament to his hard work and dedication.
Conclusion
Cuba has a long and proud history of producing some of the best judo players in the world. The Cuban national team has been consistently successful in international competitions and Cuban athletes have earned numerous medals at the Olympic Games.
In recent years, Cuba has also developed a strong developmental program that has produced some of the most talented and successful judo players in the world.
With its strong commitment to the sport, Cuba is certain to continue to produce some of the best judo players in the world for the foreseeable future.
