Maricet Espinosa Gonzalez, a former Olympian and champion in Judo, passed away at the age of 34.
In 2013, Gonzalez secured victory at the Pan American Judo Championship, a feat she duplicated the following year.
In 2016, she garnered two silver medals at the continental Judo Championships. During that same year, Gonzalez proudly represented her country in the women’s 63kg competition at the Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
During the Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, she triumphed over Nepalese judoka Phupu Lhamu Khatri in the initial round but faced defeat in the subsequent round against Yarden Gerbi of Israel, her most frequent opponent throughout her career.
Formerly ranked fifth globally, she achieved success by securing bronze medals in the 63kg category at Grand Slam tournaments in Rio de Janeiro (2011), Tokyo (2012), and Baku (2016). Remarkably, she retired only nine years after her international debut in 2008.
According to reports from The Mirror, the late athlete, affectionately known as “La Mole,” reportedly suffered a heart attack due to complications arising from breast enlargement surgery.
The tragic news of her passing follows a tribute post by the Manuel Fajardo Cuban Sports University, as reported by the Daily Mail.
“Cuban judo is in mourning. Maricet Espinosa González has passed away,” their statement expressed. “With deep sorrow, the university community of Cuban sports receives the news of the demise of the exceptional Cuban judoka. At the young age of 34, ‘La Mole,’ the nickname by which the athlete was affectionately known.”
After the surprising announcement, condolences and praises have flooded in for the former athlete. A user on X (previously known as Twitter) expressed their sorrow, stating: “The Cuban university sports community mourns the loss of the remarkable Cuban judoka Maricet Espinosa González. She distinguished herself as a key member of the national judo team, securing two titles and a Pan American silver, all in the 63kg category.”
Another individual conveyed their grief, writing: “Please convey our sincere condolences to her family and fellow athletes,” while a third person remarked, “Today, the Cuban sports community mourns deeply.”
The Sun also noted that sports journalist Robiel Vega expressed his profound sorrow, stating, “With immense sadness, I learned about the passing of Maricet Espinosa, affectionately known as ‘La Mole’ in the judo community since her early years.”
He continued, “She was an outstanding athlete and a former member of the National Team. My heartfelt condolences go out to her friends and family. Rest in peace, champion.”
The news of Gonzalez’s demise follows the tragic death of 29-year-old Olympic finalist Shawn Barber, who passed away after facing health issues.
