| Rafael A. Lecuona | |
|---|---|
Rafael A. and Diana P. Lecuona (2010) |
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| Personal information | |
| Full name | Rafael A. Lecuona |
| Country represented | Cuba |
| Born | June 2, 1928 Havana, Cuba |
| Residence | Laredo, Webb County, Texas, USA |
| Discipline | Men's artistic gymnastics |
| Years on national team | 1948 - 1955 |
| Retired | 2007 |
Rafael A. Lecuona (born June 2, 1928) is a former member of the Cuban gymnastics team (1948–1955) and professor emeritus of Texas A&M International University in Laredo. He competed in the Pan American Games in Buenos Aires (1951) and Mexico City (1955) and was a member of the Florida State University's men's gymnastics team from 1953 to 1956.
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While at Florida State University (FSU), Lecuona was credited with being the first person to introduce the Russian Moor dismount from the pommel horse to the United States. At the 1951 Pan American Games, Lecuona won the gold medal in the pommel horse, as well as a silver medal in the men's all around, rings, and men's vault. He also won a silver medal for his dismount on the pommel horse at the 1955 Pan American Games. Lecuona represented Cuba at the 1948 Olympic Games in London, the 1952 Games in Helsinki, and the 1956 Games in Melbourne.[1] He was ranked 29th among world gymnasts in 1955.
Lecuona received his doctorate in political science from FSU in 1970 and was thereafter professor of political science at Texas A&M International in Laredo. He was one of the original faculty members at the founding in 1970 of Texas A&I University at Laredo (which later became Laredo State University and then Texas A&M International) and was recognized by the state university system with an emeritus designation upon his retirement in 2002.
Lecuona is the author of numerous books and professional articles in the fields of Latin American politics and economics. He has also written Spanish-language novels. He is a nephew of famed Cuban composer Ernesto Lecuona and a cousin of Cuban classical guitarist and composer, Leo Brouwer.