Osvaldo Vento, president of the National Institute of Sports, Physical Education, and Recreation (Inder), expressed on his official X account: “Sadness in the Cuban sports family. An emblematic player and director, who generated well-deserved recognition. Our condolences to family and friends.”
Born on October 30, 1950, in Havana, Calderon Gomez won a bronze medal at the 1972 Munich Olympics and contributed to Puerto Rico’s fourth-place finish at the 1974 World Championships.
As a coach, he led the senior national team between 1992 and 1999 and was responsible for youth teams, developing generations of athletes who excelled nationally and internationally. He won important titles in Centrobasquet and multiple crowns with the Capitalinos in the Liga Superior.
His legacy transcends his sporting achievements: discipline, dedication, tactical knowledge, and love of basketball. He was admired by players such as Andres Guibert, Richard Matienzo, and the Herrera brothers, who acknowledge the influence of his upbringing on their careers.
The Cuban sports community remembers Miguelito Calderon with gratitude and respect. His memory will remain on the courts, in the trophies, and in the hearts of those who saw him triumph.
