Cuban Judoca makes history as national coach in the United States

The Cuban Judoca, Israel Hernández Planas, triumphs in the United States after a life dedicated to Tatami. Double Olympic medalist and Pan -American champion, has been appointed coach Main of the National Judo resident team program of the US

Its history is a mixture of talent, sacrifice and constant evolution that now serves as inspiration for a whole new generation of athletes.

Of Olympic champion to leader in USE JUDO

Born in Santiago de Cuba in 1970, Israel Hernández shone in the 1990s as one of the best Judocas on the continent.

He represented Cuba in two Olympic Games, where he won bronze medals in the -65 kg category: first in Barcelona 1992 and then in Atlanta 1996. These achievements marked the beginning of a race full of successes and challenges.

But its history did not end the competitions. Far from withdrawing in silence, Hernández channeled his experience and passion for judo in a new mission: to train and guide the future promises of sport.

An imposing palmarés that speaks for itself

Hernández accumulated more than 30 medals in national and international tournaments, including five medals in Pan American Championships (four gold), three medals in Pan American Games and multiple victories in international tournaments in Europe, America and Asia.

Each fight was a step towards its consecration not only as a athlete, but as a reference for judo in Latin America.

He won gold at the United States Open in 1992, which anticipated the link he would have with the country. In 1996, he was part of the technical body of the US Judo and, since then, his figure grew within the American system.

The Cuban Judoca triumphs in the United States as the main coach

On April 7 it will mark a before and after for USA Judo. That day, Israel Hernández Planas will officially assume as the main coach of the national team resident in the Charlotte Performance Center, North Carolina.

This program, created in alliance with the US Performance Center in 2023, provides access to cutting -edge technology, sports medicine, psychology, nutrition and university scholarships.

His arrival represents more than an appointment. It symbolizes the recognition of your technical knowledge and leadership capacity, qualities that you use judo considers fundamental to raise the level of your athletes.

A modern approach to form champions

«Judo has ceased to be a merely technical sport to become a technical-technical,» said Hernández. His vision seeks to transform traditional training and integrate strategic, mental and physical aspects, something crucial in the current sports elite.

Hernández also pointed out: «Every athlete and coach who participates in this program will receive the knowledge that I have and that I love to share with all the Judocas.»

With this approach, its mission is not only to train, but also teach: form complete athletes, with discipline, tactical intelligence and competitive spirit.

The impact of his figure on the Cuban community

The fact that this Cuban Judoca triumphs in the United States does not go unnoticed by Cubans of exile. Its history represents the silent effort of many compatriots who, with discipline and talent, build a second life outside Cuba.

At a time where Cuban Judo suffers from the lack of resources and opportunities, Hernández’s progress from exile demonstrates that it is possible to transcend, even in foreign land. His achievement returns hope to many Cuban athletes who dream of an opportunity beyond borders.

A promising future

Use Judo and the American sports community celebrate Hernández’s return at the head of the technical team. The executive director of the organization, Corinne Shigemoto, said: «Her personal success in the Tatami, added to her deep technical experience, will be essential to boost our athletes to the next level.»

Without a doubt, Israel Hernández Planas was not only a champion as a athlete; Now he also becomes an architect of the future of judo in the United States.