The world of Cuban athletics is mourning the loss of one of its most influential figures, Lázaro Arístides Betancourt Mella, who passed away on Sunday at the age of 88 in Havana. Born in Matanzas, Betancourt devoted his life to the advancement of sports in Cuba, leaving an indelible mark as an athlete, coach, and leader.
Betancourt was among the trailblazers of Cuban athletics following the 1959 Revolution. During his time as a runner, he excelled in the 110-meter hurdles, competing with some of the best in the world. His athletic achievements include medals at the World University Games and various regional and continental competitions. He was also part of the Cuban delegation that made history at the 1964 Tokyo Olympics, where Enrique Figuerola won Cuba's first Olympic medal in athletics.
After retiring from competitive sports, Betancourt dedicated himself to coaching the national team and later took on the role of athletics commissioner. His expertise and passion for the sport led him to become a consultant for the Cuban Athletics Federation, establishing himself as a technical and educational authority.
In a 2018 interview with Julita Osendi for CiberCuba, Lázaro Betancourt recalled, "I was the first Cuban athlete to win a gold medal after 1959, at the Ibero-American Games in Chile in 1960, precisely on October 13, 1959, with a time of 14.3 seconds."
Betancourt also contributed to the technical commission of the IAAF (now World Athletics), where he championed the history of athletics both in Cuba and globally. In recognition of his contributions, he received the IAAF Veteran Pin in 2003 and was inducted into the Central American and Caribbean Athletics Hall of Fame in 2005. His legacy includes numerous publications on sports training and statistics.
Osvaldo Vento Montiller, president of the National Institute of Sports, Physical Education, and Recreation (Inder), expressed his sorrow on social media: "The passing of Lázaro Arístides Betancourt Mella, an icon of Cuban athletics, is deeply saddening. Beyond his achievements as a competitor, he leaves behind a pedagogical legacy characterized by love and dedication in every task he undertook."
The distinguished coach's family has decided to cremate his remains. In coordination with Inder, a funeral service will be held on Tuesday, January 21, at 10:00 a.m. at the Pan-American Stadium in Havana, with friends, family, and members of the Cuban sports community expected to attend.
Cuba bids farewell to a man who devoted his life to enhancing the sport and whose legacy will continue to inspire future generations.
Remembering Lázaro Arístides Betancourt
Who was Lázaro Arístides Betancourt?
Lázaro Arístides Betancourt was a prominent Cuban athlete, coach, and leader in athletics, known for his achievements in the 110-meter hurdles and his contributions to Cuban sports development.
What were Betancourt's major achievements?
Betancourt earned medals at the World University Games, regional and continental competitions, and was part of the Cuban delegation at the 1964 Tokyo Olympics. He was recognized with the IAAF Veteran Pin and inducted into the Central American and Caribbean Athletics Hall of Fame.
How did Betancourt contribute to athletics after retiring as a competitor?
After retiring, Betancourt served as a coach for the national team, athletics commissioner, and consultant for the Cuban Athletics Federation, leaving a lasting impact on sports education and training.