Olympic judo wrestler Maricet Espinosa Gonzalez, 34, has passed away after cardiac arrest following bizarre complications stemming from breast enhancement surgery undertaken earIier this month.
The Daily Caller reports that Gonzalez, who competed in the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, suffered compIications and a heart attack after surgery on January 21st.
Later that day, Cuban Sports University, where Gonzalez was pursuing her undergraduate degree, announced her passing, saying students and faculty were in mourning and great pain after learning the news.
On behaIf of our teachers, workers, and students we extend our deepest condolences to their families, friends, and colleagues, the university said in a statement.
A native of Arroyo Naranjo, Cuba, Gonzalez earned the nickname “La Mole” for her ability to squirm out of tricky situations on the mat.
She posted back-to-back championship wins at the 2013 and 2014 Pan American Games before competing in Rio. She retired in 2017, completing a decade of competition in the 63kg category (139 pounds) as part of Cuba’s nationaI judo team.