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On the early morning of this Monday, April 14, the distinguished athlete and coach Leandro Félix Civil Jarvis passed away in Havana at the age of 77. A glory of Cuban sports, he was an international medalist and a key figure in the training of generations of middle-distance runners, including Ana Fidelia Quirós and Roberto Hernández.
The news was confirmed by the National Institute of Sports, Physical Education and Recreation (INDER), which stated in a message on its official Facebook page:
"We are deeply saddened to learn that the glory of Cuban sports, Leandro Félix Civil Jarvis, has passed away. In addition to his accomplishments as a medal-winning runner at the Pan American and Central American Games, he also left a beautiful legacy as a coach."
Born on March 31, 1948, in Puerto Padre, Las Tunas, Leandro Civil began his sports career practicing baseball and basketball. It wasn't until 1969 that he started his career in athletics, a discipline that would take him to the highest level of the regional podium.
That same year, after being called up to the national pre-selection, he won the silver medal in the 800 meters at the Memorial Brunet in Cienfuegos.
Despite suffering from a tendinitis that required surgery, he managed to establish himself as the leading Cuban figure in his specialty for a decade, until the emergence of two-time Olympic champion Alberto Juantorena.
His peak moment came at the 1974 Central American and Caribbean Games, held in Santo Domingo, where he won the gold medal and set a regional record with a time of 1:48.43 minutes.
In the following year, he earned the silver medal at the 1975 Pan American Games in Mexico City, matching the same time. In 1978, he once again reached the podium with a bronze at the Central American Games in Medellín, Colombia.
After retiring as an athlete, Leandro Civil embarked on a successful career as a coach both in Cuba and abroad. He trained double world champion and Olympic medalist Ana Fidelia Quirós, as well as sprinter Roberto Hernández.
According to sports authorities, his body is being prepared at the Alamar funeral home, and the burial is scheduled for this Monday at 3:00 p.m. at the Colón Necropolis.
From social media, athletes, coaches, specialized media, and citizens have expressed their sorrow over the loss of an essential figure in Cuban sports. The DeporCuba profile described him as a man "integral, humble, and committed to his country."
Frequently Asked Questions about Leandro Civil Jarvis and His Impact on Cuban Athletics
Who was Leandro Civil Jarvis and what were his most significant achievements in Cuban athletics?
Leandro Civil Jarvis was a prominent Cuban athlete and coach who established himself as a key figure in middle-distance athletics. Among his achievements is the gold medal at the 1974 Central American and Caribbean Games, where he set a regional record in the 800 meters. He also won medals at the Memorial Brunet and the 1975 Pan American Games. After retiring as an athlete, he excelled as a coach for athletes such as Ana Fidelia Quirós and Roberto Hernández.
What was the impact of Leandro Civil Jarvis on the careers of Ana Fidelia Quirós and Roberto Hernández?
Leandro Civil Jarvis played a crucial role as a coach in the career of Ana Fidelia Quirós, double world champion and Olympic medalist, as well as in that of Roberto Hernández, a prominent Cuban sprinter. His experience and dedication helped shape these athletes, contributing to their international successes and solidifying his legacy in Cuban athletics.
What was Leandro Civil Jarvis's journey before he dedicated himself to athletics?
Before dedicating himself to athletics, Leandro Civil Jarvis practiced baseball and basketball. However, in 1969, he began his career in athletics, a decision that would lead him to become a prominent figure in this discipline. His transition to athletics was successful, achieving significant accomplishments at both the regional and international levels.
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