The Cuban sports community mourns the loss of Rafael Ernesto Leyva Aguilar, affectionately known as the Triton of Gibara. This former swimmer from Holguin, a prominent figure in Cuban swimming during the 1970s, passed away on December 29, 2025, in Havana at the age of 68, as confirmed by his family to CiberCuba. Born on May 8, 1957, in the coastal town of Gibara, Holguín, Leyva devoted almost his entire life to the water, leaving a lasting impact both through his athletic achievements and his exemplary character.
Rafael Leyva's journey in swimming began at the Waldimiro Arcos pool in Gibara, where he started training at the age of 11. He quickly emerged as one of Cuba's most promising swimming talents. By the late 1970s, he had established himself as a national champion and record holder in the butterfly stroke, also excelling in freestyle events, which was quite rare at the time.
His international breakthrough came in 1975 at the Central American and Caribbean Youth Championships in Mexico City. There, he won a gold medal in the 100-meter butterfly and a bronze in the 400-meter individual medley, placing him among the top young swimmers in the region.
Even after retiring from elite competition, Leyva's connection to the sport never wavered. In the late 1990s, he returned to the pool as a master swimmer, becoming a respected figure in these competitions. As a member of the Manatí club, he participated consistently in national and international tournaments, including the Ramón Cordovés International Master Cup, earning accolades at every event he entered.
For Leyva, swimming was about more than just medals. In interviews conducted in recent years, he often expressed the joy of continuing to compete despite aging and the value of reconnecting with former teammates, friends, and rivals who had become like brothers. "Swimming is my life," he declared with conviction.
Beyond his athletic career, Rafael Ernesto Leyva Aguilar was a devoted father, cherished by his children, and a family man. Those who knew him speak of his dedication, friendly nature, and sense of responsibility. His family, friends, and colleagues will remember him as a man of integrity, whose human legacy surpasses his sporting accomplishments.
Rafael Leyva departs leaving a legacy that extends beyond titles and records. The Triton of Gibara will be remembered for his unwavering defense of Cuban swimming throughout his life, both in and out of the pool, with dignity, perseverance, and passion.