Osmany Juantorena is the nephew of the famous runner Alberto Juantorena, who was a double Olynpic champion at the Montreal Games in 1976
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, August 7, 2016 – Osmany Juantorena realised a chilhood dream when he entered the court to play in the first match of the men’s volleyball tournament at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games on Sunday morning.
The Cuban-born Juantorena, who plays for his adopted country Italy said to be elated after contributing 12 points in the victory attained by Italy over France in straight sets.
“It is a dream I had since my childhood days when I started playing volleyball and finally I have accomplished it,” said Juantorena, who also represented his native country at a Pan American level in 2003.
The name of Juantorena is very familiar in the Olympic Games community as his uncle is the legendary former runner Alberto, the only athlete ever to win the 400 and 800 meters race in the same Olympic Games, achieving the feat in 1976 in the Montreal Games.
“I feel very proud of my name,” Osmany said. “My uncle was a double winner at the Olympics and I will carry the name of Juantorena very high, as long as I live and for the rest of my career.”
“I am really excited about my first match, one that will be unforgettable,” Juantorena said. “It was important because we won and broke the ice, like we say in Cuba. I am very happy with my Olympic debut.”
Winning a medal in Rio would be like icing the cake for the proud nephew.