Peruvian sports are in mourning. Alejandro Olmedo, former national tennis player and winner of great titles such as Wimbledon, Australian Open and the Davis Cup with the United States, unfortunately died this Wednesday, December 9, due to cardiac arrest. This fact was confirmed by his brother Jaime Olmedo.
Luis Alejandro Olmedo Rodriguez, better known as ‘El Jefe’, was born in the department of Arequipa on March 24, 1936. His great talent for tennis was seen by the University of Southern California, which took him to the United States as a scholarship student to defend the house of studies. He acquired American citizenship in 1957.
The Peruvian Tennis Federation spoke out, with a statement, on the sensitive death of Olmedo. “We regret to announce his death at the age of 84 in the city of Los Angeles. He was the only Peruvian and the first South American to win the prestigious Wimbledon. He was also the winner of the Davis Cup after the Committee approved it since Peru did not present its own team that season “, the text reads.
The sensitive death of Alejandro Olmedo in Los Angeles
“Peru was no stranger to its achievements and was awarded the Sports Laurels, the highest decoration for a Peruvian athlete. Condolences to family, friends and Peruvian tennis in general,” it is also detailed in the federation’s statement. .
Alejandro Olmedo it also has a slot in the International Tennis Hall of Fame. “For me, receiving this wonderful ring is an honor. To be included with all these great players who have played all over the world, who play in schools, who play in big clubs, it is incredible,” he remarked at the time. Rest in peace.
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