Alberto Juantorena would be convalescing from a degenerative disease

Rumors about the delicate state of health of the double Olympic champion,Alberto Juantorena, seem to be confirmed after the new revelations of the sports journalistYasel Porto Gómez, indicating that the idol of Cuban athletics would be convalescing from a degenerative disease.

In a publication of hissocial networks, Porto Gómez updated on the health status of the head of the Cuban Athletics Federation, in which he became interested after the revelations made by “some media outlets outside of Cuba.”

“Juantorena has a degenerative disease that has kept him away from his duties as an official, both in athletics and his position in Paralympic sports,” said the journalist after confirming it “with a very serious source close to Cuban athletics” who would have recognized that the star figure “is going through the worst moment of his life.”

In recent days, sources close to the former athlete's entourage told the independent mediaCubanet whatJuantorena's health would have deteriorated significantly after presenting "a new health problem".

For this reason, the double gold medalist at the 1976 Montreal Olympic Games (400 and 800 meters) was convalescing at home in a wheelchair and with difficulties speaking. In addition, the aforementioned media indicated that the legendary athlete is in a rehabilitation process and "has had to use a wheelchair."

This Tuesday, Porto Gómez confirmed that "the man from Santiago has had problems with his system of locomotion and speech, and is receiving rigorous medical treatment to try to limit the progression of the disease."

However, none of the sources could know or reveal the illness or cause of his health condition. “At the moment there has been no information in the official media or INDER on the subject,” said the independent journalist.

A year ago, the 72-year-old Cuban star becamereported in critical condition at the Pedro Kourí Institute of Tropical Medicine in Havana,suffering from dengue and post-Covid-19 syndrome.

Last August, he was appointedHonorary Member of the World Athletics Council (WA) and also received the Gold Order of Merit, the highest distinction awarded by the governing body of world athletics.

According to Cubanet, his last public appearance was last March in a meeting with the president of the IOC, Thomas Bach, at the Pan American Stadium in Havana.

On that occasion, he was seen in apparent good health and recovered from his past ailments.