Rafael Lecuona facts for kids
Rafael Argelio Lecuona was a talented gymnast from Cuba who later became a university professor in the United States. He was born on June 2, 1928, and passed away on June 7, 2014, at the age of 86. Rafael Lecuona was known for his amazing gymnastics skills and his work as a teacher.
Contents
Early Life and Family
Rafael Lecuona was born in Havana, the capital city of Cuba. He was the nephew of a very famous Cuban composer and musician named Ernesto Lecuona. Growing up, Rafael developed a love for gymnastics.
After a new government leader, Fidel Castro, came to power in Cuba, Rafael Lecuona decided to move to the United States. He did not agree with the new government and never went back to Cuba. In the U.S., he got married twice and had two children with his first wife.
A Star Gymnast
Rafael Lecuona was a competitive gymnast for many years, from 1948 to 1956. He was very good at his sport!
Olympic Dreams
Rafael Lecuona proudly represented his home country, Cuba, at the Summer Olympic Games three times. These big international sports events happen every four years.
- In 1948, he competed in the Olympics held in London, England.
- In 1952, he went to the Olympics in Helsinki, Finland.
- His last Olympic appearance was in 1956, in Melbourne, Australia.
Pan American Games
Besides the Olympics, Rafael Lecuona also competed in the Pan American Games twice. These games bring together athletes from North, South, and Central America.
- In 1951, he competed in Buenos Aires, Argentina.
- In 1955, he was in the games held in Mexico City, Mexico.
College Gymnastics
While living in the United States, Rafael Lecuona was also a member of the men's gymnastics team at Florida State University. He competed for their team from 1953 to 1956, showing his skills in college sports.
Life as a Professor
After his gymnastics career, Rafael Lecuona became a professor. He taught a subject called political science. Political science is the study of how governments work, how people make decisions in groups, and how countries interact with each other.
He taught at Texas A&M International University in Laredo, Texas. He worked there for many years, from 1970 until 2002, helping students learn about politics and government.
Later Years
Rafael Lecuona passed away in San Antonio, Texas, on June 7, 2014. He was 86 years old. He is remembered as a dedicated athlete and a respected professor.
