Joël Despaigne

Joël Despaigne Charles (born 2 July 1966, in Santiago de Cuba), more commonly known as Joël Despaigne, is a retired volleyball player from Cuba who represented his native country in two consecutive Summer Olympics: the 1992 Summer Olympics in Barcelona (fourth place) and the 1996 Summer Olympics in Atlanta (sixth place).[1] He was the captain of the Cuban national volleyball team in the early 1990s.[2]

Joël Despaigne
Personal information
Full nameJoël Despaigne Charles
NicknameEl Diablo
Born (1966-07-02) 2 July 1966
Santiago de Cuba, Cuba
Height1.91 m (6 ft 3 in)
Volleyball information
PositionOutside hitter
Number4
National team
1986-1996 Cuba
Honours
Men’s volleyball
Representing  Cuba
World Championship
Silver medal – second place 1990 Brazil Team
FIVB World Cup
Gold medal – first place 1989 Japan Team
Silver medal – second place 1991 Japan Team
FIVB World League
Silver medal – second place 1991 Italy Team
Silver medal – second place 1992 Italy Team
Silver medal – second place 1994 Italy Team
Goodwill Games
Bronze medal – third place 1990 SeattleTeam
Pan American Games
Gold medal – first place 1991 Havana Team
Silver medal – second place 1987 Indianapolis Team
Bronze medal – third place 1995 Mar del Plata Team
Central American and Caribbean Games
Gold medal – first place 1986 Santiago de los Caballeros Team

In the late 1980s and early 1990s, Despaigne, known by his nickname "El Diablo", was considered among the best volleyball players in the world.[2] He was known for his jumping ability, with a vertical jump estimated to be around 40 inches.[3] He was a powerful spiker, with a spike speed of about 75 miles per hour.[2] He had about 350 appearances with the Cuban national team.[4]

Despaigne led the Cuban team to the gold medal at the 1989 FIVB World Cup, and was named the best player in the world in 1990 by the International Volleyball Federation.[4] He also helped the Cuban team win the silver medal at the 1990 FIVB World Championship.[1] He then helped the Cuban team win the gold medal at the 1991 Pan American Games.[1]

Coaching

Despaigne lives in Italy and works as a volleyball coach.[4]

References
  1. "Joël Despaigne". Olympedia. Archived from the original on 6 March 2023. Retrieved 28 August 2023.
  2. Farrey, Tom (2 August 1990). "Cuba's Sultan Of Spike -- Some Hail Despaigne As World's Top Player". The Seattle Times. Archived from the original on 28 August 2023. Retrieved 28 August 2023.
  3. Wilbon, Michael (15 August 1991). "DESPAIGNE LEADS CUBA TO VOLLEYBALL SUPERIORITY". Washington Post. Archived from the original on 28 August 2023. Retrieved 28 August 2023.
  4. Damini, Egle. "Joël Despaigne: history and training of the devil from Cuba that made the volleyball world trem". Technogym.com. Archived from the original on 28 August 2023. Retrieved 28 August 2023.
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