Cuban best ever judo trainer retires in Havana

HAVANA, Cuba, Jan 25 (acn) Last Saturday was the official retirement ceremony from active sports of the Master in Sports Science and eighth Dan, Ronaldo Veitia Valdivié, at the Sports City Coliseum during the Judo Grand Prix of Havana.

The emotion of the successful coach, head of the coaching staff of the Cuban women's team for 30 years, was shared with several of his disciples, including many Olympic, world, Pan American and Central American medalists, including stars such as Estela Rodriguez, Daima Beltran, Idalis Ortiz, Driulis Gonzalez and Sibelis Veranes.
Tears in the eyes, smiles and constant greetings took possession of all those attending the second day of the Judo Grand Prix of Havana, excellent time to say goodbye to a man who gave so much glory to his people and country.
The attendees carefully observed on a screen memorable moments of his work as coach, especially images of the Atlanta 1996 and Sydney 2000 Summer Olympics.
Who did not enjoy the moments when Driulis Gonzalez and Legna Verdecia won their crowns in the US and Australia, respectively?
Veitía described the moment as historical. It is the greatest thing that could happen to me, getting officially retired with those moments of glory still fresh in memory, along with several generations of my disciples, crowning a life living for judo.
Amid the joy and some nostalgia, he said he will be watching on TV the Olympic Games next August in Rio de Janeiro each of the bouts of his pupils convinced of their victories.
His fond memories are too many, especially the 14 Olympic medals won by his disciples, as well as the first seat of the standings achieved in Sydney 2000 and the Shiba 1995 World championship, not to mention the undefeated performance at the 1995 Pan American Games in Mar del Plata.