The fencing communities in both Italy and Cuba are mourning the unexpected death of Camilo Bory Barrientos, a revered fencing master who passed away at the age of 53 in Taranto, Italy, due to a heart attack. Born on October 28, 1971, in Santiago de Cuba, Bory Barrientos was a prominent figure in the Cuban national team and the Taranto Fencing Club, where he had been training young athletes since 2008.
The Italian Fencing Federation (FIS) expressed its sorrow over the loss and announced the postponement of the first Italian Regional Championship in Bari as a mark of respect. After a notable career as a fencer in Cuba, Camilo arrived in Italy in 2008 through an international collaboration between the FIS and the Cuban Federation. In the Apulia region of southern Italy, he became an essential part of the Taranto Fencing Club's coaching staff, imparting both the sport's discipline and its values to young boys and girls.
Renowned for his skill, humility, and empathy, Camilo favored teamwork. As he once shared in an interview, "In the gym, we are united, working together and in peace. We put in effort and enthusiasm, and together we move forward like a family," capturing the essence of his philosophy towards fencing and life.
A Farewell from Taranto
The Taranto Fencing Club, where Camilo spent nearly two decades, bid him farewell as "a mentor, teacher, and guide for the hundreds of young people privileged to have known him," emphasizing his charisma, dedication, and generosity both on and off the fencing piste. "His passion for fencing spurred the growth of an entire sports community, instilling values of respect, commitment, and loyalty," they noted.
Overlooked at Home, Celebrated Abroad
In Cuba, the news of his death spread primarily through social media and messages from friends and former colleagues. The "Amigos del Fajardo" Facebook group expressed their grief over losing Bory Barrientos, referring to him as "a giant of Santiago and Cuban fencing." Despite his achievements, his passing has gone unnoticed by official institutions and media in Cuba.
Journalist Yosmany Mayeta Labrada highlighted this discrepancy on Facebook, lamenting that while Camilo is celebrated in Taranto as a "pillar" of the club and a model of humility and dedication, his name is scarcely mentioned in official Cuban outlets. This neglect reflects a systematic oversight of athletes who have brought glory to the nation but chose to pursue opportunities beyond its borders.
Achievements and Legacy
Before relocating to Italy, Camilo Bory Barrientos was a celebrated figure in Cuban fencing, having competed in 82 official events and earning 27 national and 42 international medals. His accolades include a gold medal at the World University Championship in Buffalo, USA, five Pan American Games titles both individually and in teams, three golds, two bronzes in the Central American Games, and seven World Cup medals.
After 18 years with the Cuban national team, his move to Taranto saw him become a cornerstone of the local club's technical team, where he coached young fencers who achieved national success, earning gold and bronze medals.
A Lasting Impact Beyond Fencing
Camilo Bory Barrientos will be remembered not only for his fencing prowess but also for his humanity. "Always generous, available, and willing to help, he was a model of discipline and humanity, fostering the growth of an entire sports community," the Italian newspaper Giornale RossoBlu remarked in their tribute.
The FIS and the Taranto Fencing Club bid him farewell with words of gratitude: "Thank you for everything, Maestro Camilo!" His life and work are a testament to the enduring brilliance of Cuban talent, often shining brightest far from its homeland.
Camilo Bory Barrientos: Legacy and Impact
What were Camilo Bory Barrientos' contributions to Italian fencing?
Camilo Bory Barrientos significantly contributed to Italian fencing by serving as a coach at the Taranto Fencing Club, where he trained young athletes and instilled values of teamwork and sportsmanship.
How has Camilo Bory Barrientos been remembered in Cuba?
In Cuba, Camilo Bory Barrientos has been largely overlooked by official outlets, although his contributions are recognized and mourned by friends, colleagues, and social media groups dedicated to Cuban fencing.
What were some of Camilo Bory Barrientos' achievements as a fencer?
His notable achievements include a gold medal at the World University Championship in Buffalo, multiple titles at the Pan American Games, and numerous medals in the Central American Games and World Cup events.