Olympic Judo Wrestler, 34, Dies after Cardiac Arrest

Cuban judo wrestler Maricet Espinosa Gonzalez died after suffering a cardiac arrest, the Cuban Sports University announced this week.

The University said in a statement they were in “great pain” and are currently “in mourning” over Gonzalez’s death.

“On behalf of our teachers, workers, and students, we extend our deepest condolences to their families, friends, and colleagues,” said the university, according to the outlet.

Gonzalez underwent breast enhancement surgery, during which she suffered complications and had a heart attack.

She was the former number five of the world championships in 2011 and the double Pan American Champion before she retired in 2017, the Daily Mail reported.

She became Pan American Champion in 2013 before repeating the achievement in 2014.

Gonzalez also represented Cuba at the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

The outlet added:

While there, she defeated Nepal’s Phupu Lhamu Khatri in the first round of the women’s 63kg competition.

However, Gonzalez lost in the next round to Israel’s Yarden Gerbi, her most frequent opponent during her career.

She also won two silver medals at the Continental Judo Championships in 2016.

Olympian Maricet Espinosa Gonzalez Dead At 34 After Apparent Heart Attack | Click to read more 👇 https://t.co/2vY5H6xmfh

— TMZ (@TMZ) January 24, 2024

The news comes just days after Canadian world champion pole vaulter Shawn Barber died suddenly at the age of 29.

Barber’s agent confirmed in a statement that the athlete had died at his home in Kingwood, Texas, on Wednesday.

The cause of death has not yet been revealed.

“More than just an incredible athlete, Shawn was such a good-hearted person that always put others ahead of himself,” Doyle said Thursday.

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