The Cuban sports community mourned a significant loss this Wednesday with the passing of Juan Francisco Centelles, a towering figure in the nation's high jump history. His name is etched among the greats of Cuban athletics.
Centelles, who achieved a Pan American championship victory in Caracas in 1983, amassed numerous medals in international competitions and set multiple national records. At the age of 64, he was part of a celebrated generation that paved the way for the legendary Javier Sotomayor.
The news of his death has resonated deeply among athletes, coaches, and colleagues, as reflected in numerous heartfelt tributes circulating on social media platforms affiliated with the Inder and the sports publication JIT.
A Glimpse into Centelles' Formative Years
To fully appreciate his legacy, one must revisit the candid interview he granted in 2017 to journalist Julia Osendi for CiberCuba. In it, he recounted his journey, challenges, mentors, and the injustices he faced within the Cuban sports system.
Centelles described his humble beginnings: "I was born in Lawton, a part of the 10 de Octubre municipality, although I have lived in Villa de Pepe Antonio, Guanabacoa since I was 14," he recalled. His athletic career began at that age, after experimenting with soccer and wrestling at local sports centers.
His entry into athletics happened almost by accident: "A physical education teacher named Tellería brought me to an interschool competition. It was there that Luis Rodríguez Martínez noticed me. Just four months later, I was competing at the provincial level."
Journey Through the High Jump Elite
This was the start of a path that led him to the Pre-EIDE Rubén Martínez Villena and later to the EIDE Mártires de Barbados, where his life took a decisive turn under the mentorship of coach Regla Sandrino Izquierdo, whom he referred to as his "fairy godmother."
In 1978, Centelles joined ESPA Giraldo Córdova Cardín under professor José Godoy, who would later guide Sotomayor to greatness. However, personal tensions eventually led to their parting of ways.
In 1983, Centelles began training with Ricardo Guadarrama, who also coached athletes like Silvia Costa, a world silver medalist and national record holder. He faced many ups and downs, technical disagreements, and institutional decisions that often did not favor athletes. A severe bout of bacterial meningoencephalitis in 1989 nearly claimed his life, leaving him incapacitated for seven months.
Despite this, he fought to return: "When I tried to come back, they denied me a sports license, saying I needed to jump 2.30 meters to be reinstated." He achieved this feat, yet the opportunities he sought remained elusive.
An Unyielding Coach in a Challenging System
During the interview, Centelles spoke candidly about the Cuban sports system, revealing how, despite nurturing promising talents, he was never allowed to join the national coaching staff.
"Whenever I had a jumper with potential, they would take them away to other coaches. It's not about being talented; it's about being liked," he remarked.
Extending His Influence Beyond Cuba
Centelles spent years coaching abroad in countries like Brazil, Nigeria, and Nicaragua, where he continued to shape future talents. His perspective on Cuban sports was insightful and ahead of its time.
As early as 2017, he highlighted what is now a clear trend: the mass exodus of Cuban athletes. "Of course, athletes should be allowed to seek new horizons. We wouldn't be struggling internationally if we weren't losing so much talent," he asserted.
His words carried a prophetic weight: "All Cubans should be eligible to represent us. You'll see, that day will come."
An Enduring Legacy
Juan Francisco Centelles is remembered not just as a champion but as a mentor and a critical, honest man passionate about his craft, continuously battling a system that never granted him his due recognition.
Cuban athletics has lost an irreplaceable figure, and those who knew him have lost a noble, honorable man always willing to lend a hand.
Our deepest condolences go out to his family and friends.
His story—both the official version and his own recounting—stands as a testament to an era and a man who never ceased to fight.
Understanding Juan Francisco Centelles' Impact on Cuban Athletics
What was Juan Francisco Centelles' most notable achievement?
Juan Francisco Centelles' most notable achievement was winning the Pan American championship in Caracas in 1983.
How did Centelles begin his athletic career?
Centelles began his athletic career at the age of 14 when he was noticed by a coach at an interschool competition, leading to his participation in provincial events within months.
What challenges did Centelles face throughout his career?
Centelles faced numerous challenges, including institutional decisions that hindered his progress, personal tensions with coaches, and a severe illness that left him incapacitated for months.
How did Centelles contribute to athletics outside Cuba?
Centelles contributed to athletics outside Cuba by coaching in countries like Brazil, Nigeria, and Nicaragua, where he continued to develop future talents in the sport.