Photos: RRSS
Text: Hugo Leon
The University of Sports of Cuba announced on its social networks that Professor Ronaldo Veitía Valdivié, one of the most important and beloved sports teachers in the country, was hospitalized yesterday in intensive care.
The report highlights that his condition is serious and he is in a coma, sedated and on assisted breathing.
Veitía is in a hospital in Alicante, Spain, according to his son.
The University of Sports of Cuba did not give details about the causes of Veitía’s state of health, who is 74 years old and during his time in active service was considered one of the best in the world in his work.
The prominent coach was in Spain a few months ago, according to independent Cuban media.
Ronaldo Veitía spent nearly three decades commanding the national women’s judo team. He was the trainer of multiple champions in Olympic, World, Pan American and Central American competitions, which earned him the Order of Sports Merit, the highest distinction of the Cuban Council of State for personalities or sports groups.
In early 1988, Cuba first tasted the success of Veitía’s disciples, at the Pan-American Championships in Buenos Aires. From that moment, and until her retirement in 2016, there was no competition that could resist her success.
Her figure and her smile, well known by sports lovers and the Cuban people in general, were behind each victory of Cuban women’s judo and athletes such as Estela Rodríguez, Daima Beltrán, Amarilis Savón, Driulis González and many more.
Together with the volleyball coach Eugenio George, and Alcides Sagarra, of boxing, he is considered among the best coaches in Cuban sports.
