Luz Mery Tristan was a renowned Colombian athlete from Cali, Colombia. Throughout her career, she excelled in both figure skating and cycling, leaving an indelible mark in the world of sports.
From winning multiple championships in figure skating to representing Colombia in the women’s version of the Tour de France, Grande Boucle, Luz Mery Tristan showcased her remarkable talent and dedication.
However, her life took a tragic turn, as she became a victim of possible femicide, leaving behind a legacy that will be remembered by sports enthusiasts and her community.
The authorities also revealed the identity of the man who allegedly murdered her, the businessman from Cali Andrés Gustavo Ricci García.
The tragic murder of Luz Mery Tristán has left the world of sports in mourning. Colombian authorities are diligently conducting investigations to ascertain the factors that led to her tragic and unexpected passing.
The nation, along with the President, Gustavo Petro, deeply mourns the loss of this remarkable athlete, who had left an indelible mark in the world of skating and cycling and touched the lives of many through her contributions to sports.
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What Happened to Luz Mery Tristan?
Luz Mery Tristán, a former Colombian skater who later excelled in cycling, tragically lost her life on Sunday, August 6, 2023. She succumbed to gunshot wounds and was admitted to a hospital in Cali, Colombia.
As per news reports, The details surrounding her death are still emerging, but the main suspect in this possible femicide is her partner, a businessman, Andrés Gustavo Ricci García, who was arrested under the influence of bad powder and drink at the time of apprehension.
The couple had plans to get married in the fall of 2023, with wedding invitations already sent out for an October ceremony.
Who Was Luz Mery Tristan?
Luz Mery Tristan, a former Colombian athlete, was born on April 1, 1963, in Pereira, Colombia, and as of 2023, she is 60 years old.
Luz Mery Tristán, at the age of 60, not only showcased her sporting talents but also dedicated herself to promoting and sharing sports in her community.
She established a school and sports center in Cali, aiming to extend the practice of sports in Colombia and support future champions of the country.
Luz Mery Tristan was a businesswoman, gym trainer, former skater, and cyclist. Luz Mery Tristan was running Gym and Luz Mery Tristan Sports Center and it was the most famous center in Cali.
Luz Mery Tristan Career in Skating and Cycling
Her journey in sports began when a friend spotted her skating talent and took her to the League. There she met her first coach, Carlos Zota, who became instrumental in her development.
In the year 1980, she established a historic milestone by securing gold in 500, 1,500, 3,000, 5,000, and 10,000 meters at the National Figure Skating Championships. This marked an unprecedented occurrence where women participated in these events.
Luz Mery Tristan continued her athletic career by excelling in cycling, particularly in 1986 when she represented Colombia in the Grande Boucle, the women’s version of the famous Tour de France.
In 1990, she achieved further success by becoming the Skating World Cup champion in Bello, Antioquia. She became the first Colombian athlete to win a world medal in skating in the 5,000-meter event on November 17, 1990, in Bello, Antioquia.
Since 2006, she has been the director of a sports center, displaying her dedication to nurturing young talents. In the 1987 Indianapolis Pan American Games, she achieved a remarkable victory by securing the gold medal in the 5,000 meters event and also earned a well-deserved bronze medal as part of the relay team.
In 1990, she achieved a historic first place in the world championships in Antioquia, once again in the 5,000-meter event. Throughout her career, Luz Mery Tristan pushed boundaries and challenged norms.
Despite the challenges, she displayed her determination, and in 1986, she participated in the race, ending in the 70th position.
During 1987 in Bogota, she triumphed by surpassing the existing standard for the 2,000-meter event by a notable 16 seconds, and she managed to shave off 59 thousandths of a second from the 500-meter record. This only served to enhance her prestige as an influential figure within the realm of skating.
Luz Mery Tristan’s journey in sports showcases her resilience, talent, and dedication. From her early days as a figure skater to her achievements in cycling, she has left an indelible mark on Colombian sports history, inspiring generations to come.
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Luz Mery Tristan Husband and Children
Luz Mery Tristan’s marital life was marked by her marriage to Joaquín Mario Valencia Trujillo, alias ‘el Caballista’. Together, they had children, making Valencia Trujillo the father of her kids.
However, their marriage faced challenges as he was linked to the Cali Cartel. In February 2003, Joaquín Mario Valencia was captured and later extradited to the United States due to his involvement in coordinating a drug trafficking organization that reached various cities and countries.
Luz Mery Tristan was blessed with a loving family, including two daughters named Valentina Valencia Tristan and Valeria Valencia Tristan, and three sons named Andres Felipe Valencia Tristan, Mario Valencia Tristan, and Giancarlo Valencia Tristan.
After separating from her husband, she went on to have a relationship with her boyfriend, Andrés Gustavo Ricci García, who was with her at the time of her untimely death.
Despite the challenges she faced in her personal life, Luz Mery Tristan’s remarkable achievements as a skater and cyclist continue to be remembered, and her contributions to sports and her community are cherished by many.
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