Venezuela has 22 gold medals in South American weights

Published at: 28/08/2026 11:07 AM

Venezuela won 22 gold and 8 silver medals on the second day of the South American and Pan-American Weightlifting Championship, which is being held in Guayaquil, Ecuador, until August 30.

The golden harvest was led by Wilkeinner Lugo (65 kg), Katherin Echandia (53 kg), Ivanis Silva (53 kg) and Yilihannys Jiménez (57 kg), who dominated their respective divisions in both simultaneous competitions, the Ministry of Sports reported.

Lugo starred in the closest match of the day against Peruvian Luis Bardalez, who he beat at the start with 134 kg and in the storm with 166 kg, to total 300 kg and set two national records in the 65 kg category; the Guairian athlete won three gold medals in the South American Championship and three in the Pan American Championship.

In the women's division, Echandia won six golds in the 53 kg category, while Ivanis Silva added three in the under-20 and three silver medals in the Pan American Championship, and Jiménez finished with three golds at the start, three in total and the national record in the envión with 115 kg.

The opening day was led by Mariangeli Martínez with four golds and two silvers in the 49 kg division, at the start of the event that brings together 15 countries at the José Desimavilla Coliseum.

Mazo News Team