Cuba won its first gold medal at the Pan American Youth Championships through Emanuel de la Rosa, who lifted 310 kilograms. De la Rosa, aged 19, achieved this title by exceeding his personal record. With aspirations for the Junior Pan American Games in 2025, both he and teammate Edisnel Enrique Corrales, who also exceeded his best lift, showcase Cuba’s growing strength in youth weightlifting.
Cuba recently celebrated its first gold medal victory at the Pan American Youth Championships held in Havana, thanks to the impressive performance of Emanuel de la Rosa. Lifting a total of 310 kilograms in the biathlon, he secured a 29-kilogram lead over the second-place competitor within the junior category. De la Rosa’s lifts included 140 kilograms in the snatch and 170 kilograms in the clean and jerk, marking a personal record increase of 13 kilograms overall.
The 19-year-old athlete expressed his pride in achieving his first local title during a press conference, highlighting the significance of his performance at the Manuel Suarez Fernandez Gymnasium. As the specifics regarding the divisions for the upcoming Junior Pan American Games in Asuncion, scheduled for August 9 to 23, remain unannounced, De la Rosa and his coaching team are determined to secure further success in this major multisport event.
Camilo Reynaldo Ramirez, the national commissioner for weightlifting in Cuba, conveyed to the Cuban News Agency that if De la Rosa’s weight class is not available at the games, the athlete will transition to compete in the next higher division of 88 kilograms. In addition to De la Rosa’s achievements, Edisnel Enrique Corrales also stood out at the Manuel Suarez in Memoriam tournament, lifting a total of 327 kilograms in the biathlon. Corrales, a Pan American junior medalist from Cali 2021, surpassed his personal best by lifting 145 kilograms in the snatch and 182 kilograms in the clean and jerk.
In summary, Cuba’s achievement at the Pan American Youth Championships marks a significant milestone in its weightlifting history, with Emanuel de la Rosa leading the charge by winning the first gold medal for the country in this arena. The commitment of both De la Rosa and his coach to future competitions reflects a promising trajectory for the athletes as they aspire to excel in the upcoming Junior Pan American Games and beyond. Additionally, the performances of Edisnel Enrique Corrales further emphasize the growing talent within Cuban weightlifting, setting the stage for future successes.
Original Source: www.cubanews.acn.cu
