Then I received support from the Government to compete for my country, and to represent Cuba in competition.

As Juantorena was being carried off the track on a stretcher most viewers must have thought that was the end but Juantorena returned to training with a view to competing in the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics. Juantorena became better known in the next years winning a gold medal at the World University Games (1973) and a silver at the 1975 Pan American Games both in the 400 meters. At the 1983 World Championships his last international appearance in a major event he broke his foot and tore ligaments when he stepped on the inside of the track after qualifying in the first round of the 800 m.

At the 1976 Summer Olympics he became the first and so far only athlete to win both the 400 and 800 m Olympic titles.