Cuban weightlifters debut today at the Youth Games Chile2025

HAVANA, Cuba, November 7 (ACN) Cuban paraweight athletes will make their debut today at the 6th Parapan American Youth Games in Chile 2025, at the Guillermo Chacon Sports Complex in Machali, Cachapoal Province, O'Higgins Region.

The Cuban team, led by coach Ramon Martinez and supported by psychologist Madelin Figueredo, consists of seven paraweight athletes.

The team is led by Daynelis Vazquez (41 kg) and Amalia Gonzalez (45 kg), medalists at the elite world championships in Cairo, Egypt, which included the rookie and next-gen categories, also scheduled for this continental event.

The team is completed by Daniuvis Diaz (55 kg), Barbara Samantha Rivera (61 kg), Aylin Caraballo (73 kg), Yodel Queralta (72 kg), and Erlis Cleudis Gonzalez (49 kg).

Based on his students' results this year, the experienced coach believes they are capable of breaking their personal records and fighting for a place on the podium.

Martínez, is optimistic and expects top performances from his students, who qualified at the World Cup held in Chile.

Paraweights (powerlifting) is a Paralympic discipline in which athletes compete reclining on an adapted bench.

They begin the exercise by controlling the barbell, lowering it to their chest, and then fully extending their arms until the lift is deemed valid. Competitions are held in weight and gender categories, with the goal of lifting the heaviest weight possible.

This allows for the participation of individuals with disabilities affecting their lower limbs or hips, provided they have sufficient upper body strength.

Undoubtedly, the paraweight athletes are poised to increase Cuba's medal count at this multi-sport event, which has already seen Cuba compete in para table tennis and para athletics.

In para athletics, Cuba has already secured eight gold, eight silver, and two bronze medals, surpassing its performance at the 2023 Bogotá Games (5-2-3).