Ángel Rodríguez won the gold medal in weightlifting at the South American Santa Fe

Published at: 16/09/2026 04:38 PM

Venezuelan Ángel Rodríguez won the gold medal in national weightlifting, after dominating the 85 kg category with a resounding Olympic total of 367 kilos at the Santa Fe 2026 South American Games.

“I am very excited about the work I have been doing with my federation coaching staff and my base coaches,” said the champion, according to a press release from the Ministry of People's Power for Sport.

Rodríguez made an outstanding debut from the start of the competition in the starting mode where he lifted 164 kilos. This result left a margin of advantage for the three-kilo Venezuelan over the Colombian Gustavo Maldonado, who lifted 161 in his best start.

In envión, he managed to lift a whopping 203 kilos, being the only competitor to exceed 200 kilos in this section. The closest rival in this instance was the Ecuadorian Neiser Grefa with 190 kilograms.

In the overall total, the Venezuelan accumulated 367 kilos, 21 kilos of difference over the Colombian Gustavo Maldonado who finished in second position with 346 kilos (161-185) and in third place the Ecuadorian Neiser Grefa with 343 kilograms.

Mazo News Team