Antonio juan torena biography
Alberto Juantorena
Cuban runner (born 1950)
Alberto Juantorena (born 3 December 1950)[4] is a Cuban former runner. He is the only athlete to win both the 400 and 800 m Olympic titles, which he achieved in 1976. He was ranked as world's best runner in the 400 m in 1974 and 1976–1978, and in the 800 m in 1976–77, and was chosen as the Track & Field News Athlete of the Year in 1976 and 1977.[2]
Biography
Early sports activities
As a 188 cm (6 ft 2 in) 14-year-old, Juantorena was first considered a potential star at basketball; he was sent to a state basketball school,[5] and was a member of the national team.[1] Meanwhile, he had been a regional high-school champion at 800 and 1500 meters.[6] His running talent was discovered by a Polish track coach, Zygmunt Zabierzowski, who convinced him to start running seriously. Juantorena was ready for the change because as he states himself he wa Alberto Juantorena | Olympic Gold, 400m & 800m | Britannica!