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Cuba lost one of its historical sports figures this Saturday: Marcelo Roberto Castrillo García, a prominent figure in skeet shooting and the first shooter from the island to reach an Olympic podium, reported the site JIT.
Her career, highlighted by continental medals and three appearances in the Olympic Games, left an indelible mark on national sports shooting.
Cuban sports are in mourning following the death of Marcelo Roberto Castrillo García in Guanajay, Artemisa, the first Cuban Olympic medalist (bronze) in the sport of skeet.
The National Institute of Sports, Physical Education, and Recreation (Inder) announced the news through its official account on the social network X, highlighting the achievements of the champion and multi-medalist from the Pan American and Central American games.
The president of the organization, Osvaldo Vento Montiller, expressed his condolences on behalf of the Cuban sports system: "His example of commitment, dedication, and love for Cuba remains a legacy that inspires."
An elite career
Born in Guanajay, Castrillo began his association with shooting sports in 1966 and made his international debut in 1967 at the Pan American Games in Winnipeg, where he won a silver medal in the team event for skeet.
Throughout the 1970s, he solidified his presence in the continental elite with distinguished performances in the Central American and Caribbean Games and in Pan American events, where he accumulated multiple medals.
At the Munich 1972 Olympics, he finished fifth, just one point away from the podium. However, his breakthrough came at the 1980 Moscow Games, where he won the bronze medal, becoming the first Cuban to achieve an Olympic medal in shooting sports.
He participated in three Olympic Games: Munich 1972, Montreal 1976, and Moscow 1980.
Sports legacy
His record includes eight gold medals and one silver medal at the Central American and Caribbean Games, as well as four silver medals and two bronze medals at the Pan American Games.
After retiring as an active athlete, Castrillo remained involved in the sport as a coach and international referee, participating in national and international competitions.
Cuban sports bids farewell to one of its great historical figures, whose legacy remains in the memory of national shooting sports.
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