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The Honolulu Advertiser
Posted on: Tuesday, July 7, 2009

Obituary: Judo Olympian Capo dies at 48


Associated Press

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. — Two-time judo Olympian Rene Capo has died of lung cancer. He was 48.

USA Judo in Colorado Springs said Capo died Monday in Chicago. He lived in Naperville, Ill.

Capo competed at the 1988 and 1996 Olympics. Last year, he placed fifth at the USA Judo Senior National Championships. Two months after that competition, he was diagnosed with lung cancer.

Capo was a Cuban emigre who grew up in Hialeah, Fla. He also played college football at the University of Minnesota, where he was a defensive tackle from 1979 to 1982 and shared a team record for sacks.

Capo is survived by two sons, Alex, 11, and Anthony, 8.