Former Cuban Gymnast Jesús Rivera Proud to Be Recognized on Break Dance Page (INTERVIEW)

During my first visit to the National School of Gymnastics located on the bustling Belascoain Street in Centro Habana, I was introduced to the crème de la crème of Cuban gymnastics from the 1980s. The golden team, led by Casimiro Suárez, included world-class gymnasts, among them our interviewee today, the floor exercise magician, Jesús Rivera. As is often the case with many Cuban athletes who brought glory to the country, few know what has become of the stellar gymnast. Where is Jesús Rivera now, and what is he doing?

"It's a pleasure to greet you, Julita, our beloved journalist from the old days. I’ve been living in Cancún, Mexico, since 2005. I work in the Oasis Hotel Chain in the entertainment department, overseeing the operations of nightclubs, among other functions as the coordinator of acrobats. I've been in this role since 2010. You might wonder how this change happened and why I didn’t continue working in artistic gymnastics like many of my colleagues. There’s a story behind it, but let's start from the beginning, my origins."

Early Beginnings in Gymnastics

I understand you started at the age of seven in your native Cienfuegos.

"Indeed. I began in artistic gymnastics in 1974 at the age of nine, after pestering my mom for a long time to take me for trials. My love for gymnastics started when I saw an exhibition and was mesmerized. Not to mention the influence of my siblings—there are eight of us, and most practiced sports. After the trials, I joined the Regional EIDE under the guidance of Professor Waldo Molina, whose technical and educational teachings I still remember. Due to my results, I was selected the following year for the Provincial EIDE, where my coach was Alberto Pons. I made the team for the School Games in the 11-12 category and loved watching those who seemed superhuman: Casimiro Suárez, Mario Castro, Israel Sánchez, who would later be my teammates."

"Thus, Professor Servando Roig, whom I highly respect, tested me for the National School, where I enrolled under the tutelage of Professor Agustín Barcia. I retired under his tutelage as well. One advantage I always had: just a gesture from my coach, and I knew what he meant or what I needed to correct."

Favorite Apparatus and Competitions

What was your favorite apparatus? Your era was very competitive, backed by European tours.

"I excelled in floor exercises and the high bar, but undoubtedly, floor exercises were my favorite. It was a beautiful period, filled with medals in national and international events. I stood on the podium in both individual and team events at the Central American and Pan American Games. My nemesis apparatus, haha, was the pommel horse—it was tough! I admired Roberto León Richard, Lázaro Amador, Raúl Menéndez, Félix Aguilera, and Mario Castro, all excellent on that apparatus. While there are always all-around gymnasts, others specialize in one or two apparatuses, and I was among the best in floor and high bar."

Early Retirement and Subsequent Career

Why did you retire so early at just 23 years old?

"Yes, I retired very young due to a ruptured Achilles tendon. I was 23 when I competed for the last time at the 1987 Pan American Games in Indianapolis. Months later, before the World Championship in Rotterdam, I suffered the tendon rupture. I was in great shape, reaching my peak, but everything was cut short. It was a very painful moment; gymnastics was my life."

What led to the golden era of Cuban gymnastics?

"Before the '80s, an infrastructure was built by pioneers like Ángel Franco, Rubiera, Villacián, followed by Hector Ramírez, Antonio Juan, Barcia, Pedro Rodríguez, and Ernesto Izaguirre as coaches. We had Soviet professors like Eugenio Belov supporting us through agreements with the former USSR, who contributed significantly to our development. The training was intense and innovative, incorporating new exercises, and our names are in the FIG records. The national pre-selection consisted of 15 gymnasts, all eager to perform at their best, fostering unity, combativeness, and enthusiasm. For major international competitions like the Pan American, Central American, and World Championships, only six competitors and one reserve were selected, making the selection process highly competitive."

Life After Gymnastics

What did you do after retiring?

"I moved to my hometown, Cienfuegos, as a coach in 1988, a completely different life. In 1992, I was called to the National School for an advanced course, a great method that existed back then. Provincial coaches were invited to spend a year at the National School for professional development. I worked hard, teaching everything I knew, and within three months, I was appointed head of the men's coaching department, a tremendous surprise! I went there just for development, and being so young, I became the head of the department. It was challenging to direct coaches who had taught me, but I always remained humble and accepted advice from everyone. Despite my good results in school and junior categories, I decided to leave the position in 1997 after five years of dedication."

"I had disagreements with some sports officials at that time. It was hard to leave, as gymnastics was my life, and I could have continued as a coach in Cuba, but the Commission and coaches need to be on the same page for growth. Many of these issues persist today."

What path did you take after leaving gymnastics?

"Like many gymnasts, I turned to the circus. It was easy for a gymnast physically, and I was young. I was offered the technical sub-directorship in the circus, but I declined because I prefer physical activity. Many gymnasts who retired or didn't continue in gymnastics joined the circus, raising its level significantly. I was involved in circus arts for years, traveling to various countries before accepting a contract in Cancún. I was offered a job in the United States, but I prefer being close to Cuba and visiting frequently. My plan is to return to Cienfuegos upon retirement."

Were you ever motivated to teach in Mexico?

"No. If I'm not a coach in Cuba, I don't want to train any athlete. Even the stellar Mexican gymnast Alejandro Peniche, who trained for years at the Cuban National School under Professor Emilio Sagré, offered me a coaching job, but I declined."

The State of Cuban Artistic Gymnastics Today

What are your thoughts on the current state of Cuban artistic gymnastics?

"I want it to grow, but it requires hard work; the path won't be easy, but it must be done for better results. Despite many coaches being abroad, there is still talent. I can't forget gymnast Manrique Larduet, who brought great honors to Cuba, like the world runner-up title. Manrique, now living in Italy and linked to professional gymnastics, and his coach Carlos Gil, 'the maker of champions,' who led him to the top, are talents nurtured in Cuba. More could emerge, but without proper support, it would be like pouring water into baskets."

Are you signing off, Jesús?

"As I mentioned, I live in Cancún with my wife and three children. Two are with us; my son is a nurse, and my youngest daughter is starting university. My other son lives in the United States with his wife, and I have a beautiful grandson. I'm happy with my life! I want to send a big hug to my professor Barcia and his wife, and to the entire artistic gymnastics family. Thanks to social media, I stay in touch with many of them. Thank you again, Julita, for remembering the old guard."