Iván Román Suárez, a leading figure in Cuban sports science, has passed away

At the time of his passing, he was serving as an advisor to the Department of Science, Technology, and Environment of INDER.

Iván Román SuárezPhoto © JIT

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The Cuban sports community lost Iván Román Suárez this Sunday, a Doctor of Second Degree Sciences and an undeniable reference in applied research for strength training, whose legacy has influenced generations of athletes and coaches both on the island and beyond.

Born in 1949, Román was regarded as the father of strength training in the largest of the Antilles and left behind an extensive scientific and bibliographical legacy, according to the site JIT.

The president of Inder, Osvaldo Vento Montiller, highlighted on the social network X that “his work stands as a stronghold of scientific contribution to Cuban sports, to which he dedicated himself with passion and unwavering commitment.”

He also extended condolences to family and colleagues, emphasizing the humility and humanism that characterized the Hero of Labor of the Republic of Cuba.

Trajectory and contributions

In 1984, he became the first doctor in the field of sports in Cuba, and later, in 2006, he achieved the degree of Doctor of Second Degree in Sports Sciences, reflecting his perseverance and dedication.

Professor, referee, researcher, and writer, his career was defined by the training of generations and the guidance of teams in multiple disciplines, including Olympic baseball in Sydney 2000.

His international experience was extensive: he served as the head coach of the national weightlifting team of Chile, as a physical preparation advisor for the Saudi Arabian team at the 2006 World Cup, and presided over the Technical Committee of the Pan American Weightlifting Confederation.

Legacy in sports science

The aforementioned outlet added that Iván Román also presided over the National Court of Doctors in Physical Culture Sciences, in addition to being part of the Technical Advisory Council of Inder. At the time of his passing, he was serving as an advisor to the Directorate of Science, Technology, and Environment of that organization.

With four appearances in the Central American and Caribbean Games, five Pan American Games, three World Championships, and three Olympic Games, Román has established a reputation that transcends the borders of Cuba. His life, marked by teaching and research, has left a significant mark on the sporting culture of the island.

Frequently Asked Questions about the Legacy of Iván Román Suárez in Cuban Sports

Who was Iván Román Suárez and what was his contribution to Cuban sports?

Iván Román Suárez was a prominent sports scientist in Cuba, known as the father of strength training exercises in the country. His legacy includes an extensive body of scientific and bibliographic work that has influenced generations of athletes and coaches both in Cuba and abroad. He was the first doctor in the field of sports in Cuba and earned his Doctorate in Second Degree Sports Science in 2006, distinguishing himself through his perseverance and advancement in the sports arena.

What roles did Iván Román Suárez play in the international sports arena?

Iván Román Suárez had extensive international experience, serving as the head coach of the national weightlifting team of Chile, advisor for the physical preparation of the Saudi Arabian team in the 2006 World Cup, and he presided over the Technical Committee of the Pan American Weightlifting Confederation. His prestige transcended the borders of Cuba, establishing him as an influential figure in international sports science.

What was INDER's reaction to the passing of Iván Román Suárez?

The president of the National Institute of Sports, Physical Education, and Recreation (INDER), Osvaldo Vento Montiller, expressed his deep sorrow over the loss of Iván Román Suárez. In his statements, he emphasized that Román's work serves as a cornerstone of scientific contribution to Cuban sports, highlighting his passion and commitment to the island's athletic endeavors. He also conveyed condolences to family members and colleagues, underscoring the humility and humanism that defined Román.

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CiberCuba Editorial Team

A team of journalists committed to reporting on Cuban current affairs and topics of global interest. At CiberCuba, we work to deliver truthful news and critical analysis.