The Ibero-American Championships in Cuaiba concluded on Sunday, delivering three days of electrifying competition and record-breaking performances. The event, marked by ideal conditions, saw athletes from across South America achieve new heights in their respective disciplines.
Ruiz Shatters South American Javelin Record
Colombian javelin thrower Flor Denis Ruiz stole the spotlight, breaking her own South American record with a world-leading throw of 66.70 meters. Ruiz, a world silver medallist, opened with a solid 59.07 meters and followed with a series of impressive throws, culminating in her record-breaking effort. This achievement secured the 33-year-old her third Ibero-American title, following victories in 2012 and 2016, and surpassed her previous record set at the World Championships last year by 1.23 meters. Ruiz’s throw narrowly missed the championship record of 66.99 meters, set by Cuba’s Osleidys Menendez in 2004.
Brazilian record-holder and world finalist Jucilene de Lima took second place with a throw of 62.31 meters, while 19-year-old Uruguayan Manuela Rotundo, the world U20 bronze medallist, secured third with a national record of 61.84 meters.
Pedro Nunes Sets New Men’s Javelin Record
In the men’s javelin competition, Brazil’s Pedro Nunes set a new South American record with a throw of 85.11 meters, breaking the previous mark set by Paraguay’s Edgar Baumann in 1999. Nunes, a 24-year-old from Parintins, clinched the victory with his final throw, showcasing his determination and skill. “I have been training very well with my coach Margareth Bahia Haiden and wanted to lift the weight of setting the record off my shoulders,” said Nunes. “All my training is focused on the Olympic Games.”
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The championships also saw remarkable performances in the triple jump and heptathlon. Brazil’s Almir dos Santos dominated the men’s triple jump, achieving his best performance since 2019 with a leap of 17.31 meters. Colombia’s Martha Valeria Araujo celebrated her 28th birthday by retaining her heptathlon title with a personal best and championship record of 6274 points, placing her second on the South American all-time list.
Historic Firsts and Notable Victories
Several athletes achieved historic firsts for their countries. Argentina’s Elián Larregina set a national record in the 400 meters with a time of 45.27 seconds, while Panama’s Chamar Chambers also set a national record in the 800 meters with 1:45.27. Chile’s Humberto Mansilla won the hammer throw with a distance of 75.08 meters, and Ecuador’s Andy Preciado took the decathlon title with 7913 points.
Other notable victories included Colombia’s Natalia Linares in the long jump (6.82 meters), Venezuela’s Robeilys Peinado in the pole vault (4.50 meters), Portugal’s Eliana Bandeira in the shot put (18.30 meters), and Brazil’s Izabela da Silva in the discus (63.60 meters).
Peruvian Evelyn Inga dominated the 20km race walk, clocking 1:32:46 to secure her country’s only gold medal of the weekend. This victory marked Peru’s first race walk medal at the championships.
Hosts Shine in Cuaiba
Hosting the Ibero-American Championships for the fifth time and marking the first major competition for the city of Cuaiba, Brazil emerged as the top nation, winning 16 gold medals, 15 silver, and 15 bronze. Spain followed with four gold, seven silver, and four bronze medals, while Puerto Rico secured four gold, two silver, and one bronze.
The Ibero-American Championships once again highlighted the incredible talent and determination of South American athletes, setting the stage for future international successes.
