Renowned Sports Commentator René Navarro Also Narrated Rodeos, Horse Races, and Cockfights

Renowned Cuban sports commentator René Navarro surprised his Facebook followers this Friday with an unexpected revelation. Beyond the 32 sports he officially covered during his career, Navarro also lent his unmistakable voice to narrate rodeos, horse races, and cockfights across various parts of Cuba.

At 80 years old, Navarro is celebrated as one of Cuba's most iconic sports voices. He shared this story under the title "Off-TV Activities in My Mature Years and Among Passionate Crowds," prefacing his disclosure with a playful warning: "Yes, don't be surprised by what you read."

Expanding His Horizons: Beyond Traditional Sports

Navarro recounted his experiences narrating rodeos in Rancho Boyeros, Las Tunas, and a small town in Guantánamo—"If I recall correctly, it was in San Antonio del Sur," he noted with ease, as if discussing the Olympics.

However, the truly intriguing part came when he detailed his involvement in horse racing and cockfighting, both of which took place in his beloved province of Mayabeque.

According to Navarro, between the 1980s and 2000, these events became weekend favorites in several municipalities east of Havana, drawing thousands to rural areas far from city centers. The catch: "They were illegal and sanctioned by authorities."

Navigating New Challenges and Ethical Dilemmas

To narrate these events, Navarro had to master a new lexicon. "Terms like 'indio,' 'cenizo,' and 'pinto,' along with those labeled as runners, became part of my vocabulary," he wrote, referencing cockfighting jargon. With horse racing, he faced a similar challenge, quickly learning animal names, distances, and jockeys for his improvised commentary, sometimes using a megaphone or makeshift audio system.

Nonetheless, Navarro made it clear where he drew the line morally. "I never understood why roosters had to fight to the death. It seemed cruel and inhumane," he admitted, perhaps the only time his passion for storytelling was overshadowed by his aversion to what lay before him.

A Tradition Shrouded in Controversy

Cockfighting in Cuba dates back to colonial times, with records from the 18th century. Though banned after the 1959 Revolution with the closure of cockpits, a partial decriminalization occurred in 1980. Betting, however, remained illegal. The 2021 Animal Welfare Decree-Law prohibits animal fighting, except when authorized by competent authorities, yet clandestine practices continue in rural areas.

Navarro also shared a story that encapsulates his life philosophy: in 1991, upon returning from the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo—where Cuba won silver medals with Javier Sotomayor in high jump and Ana Fidelia Quirot in the 800 meters—he was soon back in Madruga, his hometown, narrating street races. "To be part of the heart and soul of the people, you have to embrace THE BIG AND THE SMALL," he wrote emphatically, as if shouting into a microphone.

His post sparked comments celebrating the anecdote with humor and nostalgia. Many followers admired his ability to adapt to any setting, from an Olympic stadium to a clandestine field, highlighting what makes Navarro truly unique.

This revelation comes at a time when Navarro remains an active and critical voice on social media. The same commentator who, in January 2024, disclosed selling his car to afford food on a pension of only 1,733 Cuban pesos per month, and who recently described Cuban reality as "mental and physical torture," shows that at 80, he hasn't lost his humor or his desire to tell stories that, as he says, range from the big to the small.