Miguel Calderón Gómez, a revered figure in Cuban basketball history, passed away on Thursday at the age of 74. The state-run newspaper Granma published a brief notice confirming his death, revealing that Calderón had been living in dire conditions at the Comandante Manuel Fajardo Hospital in Havana. This situation was highlighted by journalist Aníbal Oliva Yañez earlier this year.
Born on October 30, 1950, in Havana, Calderón was a key player on the legendary team that secured a bronze medal at the 1972 Munich Olympics and finished fourth at the 1974 World Championship in Puerto Rico, as noted by Granma. Calderón also served as the head coach for the Cuban men's national basketball team from 1992 to 1999. He played a crucial role in developing young athletes who went on to achieve national and international prominence.
His coaching accolades include victories in the Centrobasket tournaments and numerous championships with the Capitalinos in Cuba's top basketball league.
The Plight of Forgotten Sports Legends
In February, the plight of Calderón became public knowledge, highlighting the neglect faced by many Cuban athletes after their contributions to the nation's sports legacy. Journalist Aníbal Oliva Yañez took to Facebook to report on Calderón's dire situation, describing how the once-celebrated player and coach was in critical condition, deprived of the care he deserved.
Calderón had lost his sight and was suffering from severe health issues. He relied on the kindness of those who remembered his contributions, living in a dilapidated hospital bed, as Oliva pointed out. This tragic end is not uncommon among Cuban sports heroes, many of whom find themselves in poverty and forgotten without any state support.
The story of Miguelito Calderón sparked concern among sports enthusiasts, including the news site Swing Completo, which echoed the outcry and emphasized that Calderón's case is part of a broader pattern of neglect toward athletes who once brought glory to Cuba. The outlet highlighted the absence of a support system for former athletes on the island, who often end up without medical care or financial assistance.
In reaction, Yasel Porto Gómez expressed disbelief on social media, noting, "When I saw Aníbal Oliva's post, I couldn't believe it. This photo shared by Fernando Clavero is none other than Miguelito Calderón, one of Cuba's iconic basketball coaches." Porto continued, "Sick and blind, looking entirely different from what we remember, the beloved former player and coach is now hospitalized." He added, "Sadly, this is no longer an exception to the rule. It's a reality impossible to ignore or justify any longer."
In 2024, a similar story emerged about Margarita Skeet, a prominent figure in Cuban women's basketball, who was found living in total neglect, surviving thanks to the help of her neighbors in Cotorro, Havana.
The Neglect of Cuban Sports Heroes
What were Miguel Calderón's most notable achievements in basketball?
Miguel Calderón was part of the Cuban basketball team that won a bronze medal at the 1972 Munich Olympics and finished fourth at the 1974 World Championship in Puerto Rico. He also served as the head coach of the national team and led the Capitalinos to numerous championships.
How did Miguel Calderón's health condition come to public attention?
Journalist Aníbal Oliva Yañez highlighted Calderón's critical condition and lack of necessary care on social media, drawing attention to his plight and the broader issue of neglect faced by former Cuban athletes.
What is the common fate for many retired Cuban athletes?
Many retired Cuban athletes, like Miguel Calderón, find themselves living in poverty and obscurity, without any state support or adequate healthcare, despite their past contributions to the nation’s sports achievements.