Jordi Llopart, who held a special place in Spanish sport as the country's first Olympic medal winning athlete, died on Tuesday aged 68.
"RIP, Jordi Llopart. You will always be a legend of Spanish athletics," the Spanish Athletics Federation posted on Twitter.
Llopart claimed silver in the 50km walk at the 1980 Moscow Games to become part of Spanish sporting folklore.
"40 years ago, we cried with joy. For the first time, thanks to you, we climbed to an Olympic podium. Today we cried with sadness," the federation wrote.
According to Spanish daily Marca Llopart suffered a fatal heart attack.
Spain's Olympic Committee described him as "a legend" and a champion "with capital letters".
Hace 40 años, lloramos de alegría. Por primera vez, gracias a ti, subimos a un podio olímpico.
— atletismoRFEA (@atletismoRFEA) November 10, 2020
Hoy lloramos de tristeza.
DEP, Jordi Llopart.
Siempre serás leyenda del atletismo español ???? pic.twitter.com/lPFgNR9xcm