The National Institute of Sports (INDER) in Cuba has publicly dismissed recent social media posts featuring misleading images and statements about the health of Alberto Juantorena, the renowned Olympic double champion affectionately known as "El Caballo."
Through a statement on its official Facebook page, INDER denounced both the photo and accompanying narrative as false, emphasizing that Juantorena is receiving "the necessary medical, familial, and institutional care he requires, amid the privacy he deserves."
The debunked post, titled "Last Minute Cuba," bore the sensational headline: "Alberto Juantorena: From Olympic Podium to Abandonment," claiming shock over the legendary Cuban athlete's severe deterioration.
The circulated image portrayed him as alarmingly thin and sickly. INDER's response was unequivocal: "They lie with cynicism, hatred, and insensitivity. Both the image and the narrative are fabrications."
Born in Santiago de Cuba on December 3, 1950, Juantorena is celebrated as the sole Olympic athlete to have won both the 400 and 800 meters at the same Games. His historic feats took place at the Montreal 1976 Olympics, where he set world records of 1:43.50 in the 800 meters and 44.26 seconds in the 400 meters.
Juantorena's health has visibly declined over recent years. In August 2022, he was critically ill due to dengue and complications from COVID-19. By late 2023, he was using a wheelchair and had difficulty speaking, with a leaked photo in December 2024 showing significant weight loss.
In March 2026, sports journalist Yasel Porto reported, based on sources close to Juantorena, that he suffers from a neurodegenerative disease, though official confirmation of this diagnosis is lacking. Shortly after, commentator Héctor Villar described Juantorena as being in grave condition.
This past May, Juantorena was relieved of his role as president of the Cuban Paralympic Committee—a position he held since 2015—and appointed as honorary president for life.
This recent denial by INDER is not an isolated instance. The institute previously refuted similar claims of neglect regarding other Cuban sports figures, such as former world boxing champion Bernardo Comas, echoing a pattern of allegations about the real conditions of sports legends like Gaspar Casamayor and the wife of Olympic champion Andrés Aldama.
The ongoing tension between the official narrative of institutional care and independent reports on the true state of Cuba's sports icons remains unresolved, as INDER continues to assert that Juantorena's case is entitled to respect for his privacy.
Understanding the Controversy Surrounding Alberto Juantorena's Health
Who is Alberto Juantorena?
Alberto Juantorena is a former Cuban Olympic athlete known for being the only person to win both the 400 and 800 meters at the same Olympic Games in Montreal 1976.
What did the INDER say about the rumors?
INDER refuted the rumors, stating that the images and narratives about Juantorena's health are false and that he is receiving appropriate care.
Why is Juantorena's health a topic of concern?
Concerns arose due to reports of his critical health condition following dengue and COVID-19 complications, and potential neurodegenerative disease, alongside a significant decline in his physical state.