Olympics star Maricet Espinosa, 34, dies after heart attack during boob job op

24 January 2024 , 16:43

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Judoka Maricet Espinosa Gonzalez has died (Image: Amandine Cucchiettti / Icon Sport via Getty Images)

Judo champion Maricet Espinosa Gonzalez, who competed at the 2016 Olympics, has died at the age of 34 after reportedly suffering a heart attack.

According to local media, Espinosa had breast enlargement surgery on January 21 before tragically suffering complications. She was a double Pan American Judo champion, before retiring from the sport in 2017.

Nicknamed 'La Mole', Espinosa represented Cuba at the 2016 Olympics in Brazil in the women's 63kg competition. She beat Nepalese judoka Phupu Lhamu Khatri in the first round, before suffering defeat to Israel's Yarden Gerbi in the second round.

The Manuel Fajardo Cuban Sports University, which is well-known for producing Olympic athletes, paid tribute to Espinosa on their Facebook page. "It is with great pain that the Cuban university sports community receives the news of the death of the outstanding Cuban judoka Maricet Espinosa Gonzalez," they wrote.

"'La Mole'... stood out as a member of our national judo team, achieving two titles and a Pan American silver, all in the -63kg category. On behalf of our teachers, workers and students we extend our deepest condolences to their families, friends and colleagues."

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Sports journalist Robiel Vega added: "It is with terrible pain that I received the sad news of the death of Maricet Espinosa, 'La Mole', as she was known in the world of judo since she was just a child.

"She was an excellent athlete and a former National Team member. I send my deepest condolences to her friends and family. Rest in peace, champion."

Espinosa in action against Kong Ja-Jong at the 2011 Judo World Championships (MIGUEL MEDINA/AFP via Getty Images)

News of Espinosa's tragic passing comes less than a week after Olympic pole vaulter Shawn Barber died aged 29 following medical complications. Barber also competed at the 2016 Olympics.

His agent, Paul Doyle, said: "More than just an incredible athlete, Shawn was such a good-hearted person that always put others ahead of himself. It's tragic to lose such a good person at such a young age."

Barber won gold at the 2015 World Championships in Beijing and the 2015 Pan American Games. Polish pole vaulter Piotr Lisek also paid tribute to Barber, writing: "We had the opportunity to host him on Polish soil many times, and he showed his heart many times with incredible cheerfulness. He was only 29 years old! 2015 World Champion, six-meter tall!"

Matthew Cooper