The world of judo is mourning the loss of one of its brightest stars. Maricet Espinosa González, a legendary Cuban judoka who competed at the highest levels of the sport, died on January 22nd at the age of 34.
Espinosa González, affectionately known as “La Mole” (“The Boulder”), was a dominant force in women’s judo throughout the 2010s. Born on January 2nd, 1990 in Havana, Cuba, she took up judo at a young age and quickly rose through the ranks to become one of the top judoka in the Americas.
The Pan American Judo Confederation confirmed Espinosa González’s passing in an emotional Instagram post, writing “With deep sadness we bid farewell to a legend of Pan-American and Cuban Judo. Maricet Espinosa, affectionately known as ‘La Mole’, leaves an indelible legacy. Rest in peace, our dearest Maricet.”
Espinosa González competed for Cuba at the 2016 Rio Olympics, making it to the second round of the women’s 63kg event before being eliminated. Though she came up short of an Olympic medal, her career highlights include winning back-to-back Pan American Judo Championships in 2013 and 2014. She also took home silver at the 2016 Pan American Championships on home soil in Havana.
The powerful judoka excelled on the International Judo Federation World Tour as well, earning Grand Slam bronze medals in Rio de Janeiro, Tokyo and Baku. She was a multi-time Cuban National Champion, dominating her weight class domestically for over a decade.
Tributes poured in from the judo community following the news of Espinosa González’s untimely passing. The Universidad del Deporte Cubano, known internationally as the Cuban Sports University, mourned the loss of the Olympic athlete who trained at their facility in Havana.
“On behalf of our teachers, workers and students, we extend our deepest condolences to their families, friends and colleagues,” the university wrote on Facebook.
Espinosa González built a legacy as one of the most dominant judoka ever to emerge from the judo powerhouse of Cuba. She carried the torch for Cuban women in the sport, paving the way for the next generation of female judo stars from the island nation.
Nicknamed “The Boulder” for her strength and power on the mats, Espinosa González competed with a competitive fire and determination to win. She was a role model for young judoka across Cuba and throughout the Americas who were inspired by her career.
After retiring from the Cuban national team in 2017, Espinosa González continued to promote the sport through coaching and teaching roles. She passed on her expertise to the next wave of Cuban judoka, further cementing her impact on the sport in her home country.
While the cause of her tragic, untimely death at 34 years old remains unknown, Espinosa González leaves behind a lasting legacy. Her career accomplishments and pioneering contributions to Pan American judo will not be forgotten.
Espinosa González is survived by her mother María Isabel González, who supported her judo career from an early age. Heartfelt condolences go out to her family, friends and all those in the judo community mourning the enormous loss of a true legend.
Though gone too soon, Maricet Espinosa González’s sporting career and inspiration to young Cuban judoka will live on forever. She embodied the Olympic spirit and helped put Cuban judo on the map. The world of judo is darker without her talents, but her memory shines bright.
