Colon, Maria (1958—)

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Colon, Maria (1958—)

Cuban javelin thrower, who was the first person from her country to win an Olympic gold medal. Name variations: María Caridad Colón. Born María Caridad Colón on March 25, 1958, in Cuba; married Angel Salcedo (her coach).

Born on March 25, 1958, in Cuba, Maria Colon was considered one of her nation's finest female athletes by the late 1970s, after winning several medals at the Pan American Games. Her greatest success took place during the 1980 Olympics in Moscow, where she won the gold medal in javelin on her first try. Luck as well as her own talent favored her on this occasion, given the fact that East Germany's Ruth Fuchs , the "queen of javelin throwing," turned in a disappointing performance. With her victory, Maria Colon became the first woman of color to gain an Olympic gold medal in a throwing event. A favorite with the crowds, she was a solid performer in major meets but sometimes vanished from the public eye for long stretches of time. When not competing, she teaches physical education in Havana. She is married to her coach, Angel Salcedo.

John Haag , Athens, Georgia