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Cuban sports are in mourning. The fencer Yamila Figueroa Ruiz, regarded as one of the great figures in this discipline on the island, recently passed away, leaving a profound impact on athletes, coaches, and fans.
The news has sparked a wave of messages of sorrow on social media, especially from Villa Clara, where she spent a large part of her professional life. “We have lost a great friend, a fencing coach and a glory of the sport,” wrote Maribel Pérez on the profile Deportes Camajuaní, who fondly remembered her as “Yamilasa,” highlighting the respect and affection she cultivated among her peers.
Figueroa shone not only as an athlete but also marked an era in Cuban women's fencing. She was a pioneer in foil and became the first captain of the national women's team in 1987, at a crucial moment for the development of this discipline in the country.
His international career was marked by significant achievements. He won medals at the Pan American and Central American Games, including an individual silver in Indianapolis 1987 and a team gold in the Dominican Republic 1986. He also climbed onto the podium in Havana 1991 and Mexico 1990, in addition to triumphing in World Cup tournaments in Europe. Among his most memorable accomplishments is his victory at the International "Golden Swords" Tournament, where he defeated the then-world champion Brigitte Benon.
Her educational journey influenced later generations of Cuban fencers, including Zuleydis Ortiz, world silver medalist in épée, who trained alongside Figueroa during her youth at Cerro Pelado.
After retiring from high-level competition in 1992, she devoted her life to training new generations. She worked as a coach at the "Héctor Ruiz" sports school in Villa Clara, served as a national referee, and held responsibilities in local sports management, establishing a legacy that extends beyond her medals.
Born on June 11, 1962, in Camagüey, Yamila Figueroa passed away on May 2, 2026, according to sports sources from the region. She was 63 years old.
Her departure leaves a difficult void to fill in Cuban fencing, but also the memory of a woman who paved the way in a sport historically dominated by men and who remained close to her community until the end.
“Glory of Cuban and Camajuaní sports. R.I.P.,” wrote another user in bidding her farewell, reflecting the sentiment of many who today mourn her passing.
Figueroa was part of the generation that paved the way for Cuba to establish itself as a world power in women's fencing, a period that also saw the emergence of world champions such as Taymi Chappé, who passed away in November 2020, and Mirayda García, world champion in 1997.
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