Cuban Judo Veteran Luis Torres Cobas Continues Golden Run into His 70s

Luis Torres Cobas, 70, continues to dominate the world of judo in the veteran’s category, recently adding to his impressive collection of gold medals. The Cuban judoka’s dedication and passion for the sport remain unwavering, even as he approaches his eighth decade.

A Lifetime on the Tatami

Torres Cobas began his judo journey in 1969, at the age of 12, in Guantánamo, Cuba. He initially watched his older brother practice, eventually earning the right to train himself. I started in 1969, at the age of 12, in my native Guantánamo. My older brother practiced it and always accompanied him, but at first my parents forbade it because I was too minor. I sat on a bench to watch, for about two hours, and that’s how I began to gain to realize them. he recalls.

He credits coaches Rafael Carrión, Lázaro Villarejo, and Raúl Fernández for their significant influence on his development. The coaches Rafael Carrión, Lázaro Villarejo and Raúl Fernández were highly important and are still present in me. I attended everyone’s classes, morning, afternoon and evening. Today I have many more teachers, every day you learn.

National and International Success

Torres Cobas achieved prominence in the 1975 Youth Games in Santiago de Cuba, winning in his division and in open competition. As an adult, he competed five times for the national title in the 70, 71, and 78 kilogram weight classes, plus freestyle, facing formidable opponents. I came to join the team in tournaments like the José Ramón Rodríguez, at a high level, due to the presence of the Japanese, French, Germans, and Russians, in a very technical era.

Recent Triumphs and Dual National Representation

Currently residing in Spain, Torres Cobas continues to compete and teach. He secured a silver medal at the Master’s World Cup in 2014 representing Spain, followed by two gold medals in subsequent years. He similarly earned a bronze medal in Cancun, Mexico, in 2018.

In 2019, he won gold in Marrakech, Morocco, defeating a Canadian opponent with an ippon. He repeated his victory in Krakow, Poland, in 2022. He then competed for Cuba, winning gold medals at the 2024 World Championships in Las Vegas and the 2025 World Championships in Paris, defeating a British favorite with an ippon in the latter. In 2024 I decided to compete for Cuba, I always dreamed of giving it my gold medal. I got it in Las Vegas, United States, I cried because of the most immense emotion of an athlete. In 2025 I repeated the triumph in Paris, for the Island, by defeating ippon to a favorite Brit.

He proudly displays both the Spanish and Cuban flags on his judogi. On my judogi both flags appear, one on the right and the other on the left of my chest: the Spanish one, the motherland, and my Cuban one. But in the French capital the regulations prevented showing both, so I chose the most beautiful one.

Recognition and Future Plans

Torres Cobas was honored as the Pan American Confederation’s Annual Prize winner in the veteran category. It means a lot because recognition is never earned alone, behind it there is a group that helped me obtain it, both physically and psychologically. He acknowledges the support of his family, friends, and the judo community.

He remains committed to the sport, stating, It depends on my health, on God, only he can stop me. As long as he allows me, I plan to die on the tatami, that is my way of life.

FAQ

• How old is Luis Torres Cobas? He is 70 years old (as of March 14, 2026).
• What countries has he represented in Judo? He has represented both Spain and Cuba.
• How many World Championship gold medals has he won? He has won at least six World Championship gold medals in the veteran category.

Did you know? Torres Cobas continues to maintain a rigorous training schedule, including running, swimming, and sparring with younger athletes.

Pro Tip: Discipline and consistent training are key to longevity in any sport, as demonstrated by Torres Cobas’s remarkable career.

What are your thoughts on Torres Cobas’s incredible journey? Share your comments below!