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Gerardo Fernández Tabares, a Cuban sports legend in weightlifting and the first Latin American to lift 400 kilograms in the biathlon, passed away last Saturday, January 4, at the age of 71.
A message from Rodolfo Suárez Muñoz confirmed his passing: "At noon today, Saturday, January 4, we bid farewell to the distinguished athlete and weightlifting coach Gerardo Fernández Tabares, a Glory of Cuban Sports. He will always be remembered."
In an official statement, the Cuban Weightlifting Federation expressed: "Today we say goodbye to a great figure in Cuban sports, a father, grandfather, brother, friend, and teacher." The message highlighted his impressive sports career and his invaluable work as a mentor for new generations.
From the very beginning, Fernández proved to be an exceptional talent. He was the champion at the Seventh National School Games in 1969 and the National Youth Champion from 1971 to 1973.
Between 1975 and 1979, he dominated the National First Division Championship and was crowned champion at the seventh Pan American Games in 1975, where he won two gold medals and one silver medal.
His participation in the 1976 Montreal Olympics earned him a sixth place, while at the 1977 World Championships in Stuttgart, he achieved a fifth place.
Additionally, they excelled in international competitions such as the Panonia Cup, the "Zables Azules" International Tournament, and the Balkan Cup, amassing gold, silver, and bronze medals.
Throughout his career, he set 84 records, both national and international, and established himself as the strongest man in America by lifting 400 kg in the biathlon.
After retiring as an active athlete, Fernández continued his career as a coach. From 2013 to 2017, his youth teams dominated the provincial championships in the 11-12 and 13-14 age categories. Additionally, in 2002 and 2003, he undertook a mission in Venezuela.
Journalist Jesús González Bayolo shared an emotional memory on social media: “I learned from my colleague Carlos Hernández Luján from the television news that Gerardo Fernández Tabares has passed away. I felt a jolt because I had become a specialist writer in strength sports and... he was the first weightlifter I ever interviewed.”
González Bayolo recalled his first experience as a sports journalist in March 1973 when Manuel Suárez, a prominent Cuban coach, asked him to cover an achievement by Fernández. “I went to the Ciudad Deportiva and interviewed Gerardo Fernández Tabares because he had broken a record held by Cuba's strongest weightlifter at the time, Fernando Bernal,” he recounted.
Frequently asked questions about Gerardo Fernández Tabares and his legacy in weightlifting
Who was Gerardo Fernández Tabares, and what was his most significant achievement?
Gerardo Fernández Tabares was a Cuban sports legend in weightlifting, known for being the first Latin American to lift 400 kilograms in the clean and jerk. This achievement established him as the strongest man in America during his time.
What were the main achievements of Gerardo Fernández Tabares in his sporting career?
In addition to his achievement of lifting 400 kg in the biathlon, Gerardo Fernández Tabares was the champion at the 1975 Pan American Games, where he won two gold medals and one silver. He also competed in the 1976 Montreal Olympics, finishing in sixth place, and set numerous national and international records.
How did Gerardo Fernández Tabares contribute to Cuban sports after his retirement?
After retiring from competitive sports, Gerardo Fernández Tabares became a coach. From 2013 to 2017, his youth teams dominated the provincial championships in the 11-12 and 13-14 age categories. Additionally, his role in training new generations was invaluable for the development of weightlifting in Cuba.
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