Peru’s Historic Judo Run: Lam, León and Flores Power Lima 2026 Pan Am to Second in Medals
LIMA, Peru — Peru’s judo team delivered its most successful performance in continental competition history at the 2026 Pan American Judo Championships, finishing second in the medal table behind only the United States. The standout performances of Hilary Lam, Carla León and Valentino Flores not only cemented Peru’s position as a judo powerhouse but also propelled the country into the top ten of the International Judo Federation’s world rankings for the first time.
The Lima 2026 tournament, held at the Villa Militar Sports Complex, served as the qualifying event for the 2027 Pan American Games in Santiago, Chile. With 12 gold medals, 14 silver and 17 bronze, Peru’s total of 43 medals trailed only the U.S. (48) and surpassed Brazil (38), marking a historic leap forward for South American judo.
The Standout Performances
Hilary Lam: Peru’s New World-Class Star
At just 23 years old, Hilary Lam became the face of Peru’s judo renaissance with a dominant performance in the men’s -73kg category. Lam, who now ranks in the top ten globally, defeated three opponents by ippon in the tournament, including a dramatic victory over Cuba’s Yordanis Arencibia in the semifinals. His gold medal in Lima catapulted him from 12th to 8th in the world rankings, making him the highest-ranked Peruvian judoka ever.
“This represents just the beginning,” Lam told reporters after his victory. “We’ve been working hard for years, and now the whole world can see what we’re capable of. But we’re not stopping here.”
Lam’s rise follows his bronze medal at the 2023 World Championships, but his technique and tactical awareness in Lima were noticeably sharper. Coaches noted his ability to read opponents’ movements and exploit small openings, a skill that has earned him comparisons to Japan’s Shohei Ono.
Carla León: The -57kg Queen
Carla León, Peru’s most decorated female judoka, added another layer to her legacy with her second consecutive Pan American gold in the -57kg division. The 28-year-old, who already holds a bronze from the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, defeated Canada’s Kristine Legentil in the final with a precise seoi nage at 2:17.
León’s consistency was the key to Peru’s success. She went undefeated in Lima, including a dominant 100-0 decision over Mexico’s Ana Rosa García in the semifinals. “Carla is the heart of our team,” said head coach Roberto Suárez. “She doesn’t just win matches—she inspires everyone around her.”
With this victory, León has now qualified for her third consecutive Pan American Games and is widely seen as Peru’s best chance for an Olympic medal in judo at the 2028 Los Angeles Games.
Valentino Flores: The -60kg Sensation
Valentino Flores, Peru’s youngest medalist at the tournament, stunned the judo world by winning gold in the men’s -60kg category at just 19 years old. Flores, who had only turned pro in 2025, defeated Brazil’s Felipe Kitadai in the final with a tactical uchi mata that left the Brazilian team in shock.
Flores’ victory was particularly significant as it marked the first time Peru has won gold in the -60kg division at a Pan American Championships. His rise has been meteoric, moving from national-level competition to continental dominance in just two years. “I didn’t expect this,” Flores admitted. “But now I know I can compete with anyone in the world.”
Flores’ success has already attracted interest from European clubs, with rumors swirling about potential transfers for the 2027 season. However, his coach, Carlos Mendoza, has emphasized that Flores’ focus remains on representing Peru at the upcoming Pan American Games.
Peru’s Medal Table Dominance
The Peruvian team’s performance in Lima was nothing short of spectacular. With a total of 43 medals, Peru finished just five behind the United States and ahead of Brazil, who had long been considered the dominant force in South American judo.
This performance represents a 50% increase in Peru’s medal haul compared to the 2023 Pan American Championships in Montreal, where the team won 28 medals. The improvement is even more striking when considering that Peru’s judo program has historically struggled with funding and infrastructure compared to regional rivals like Brazil and Cuba.
Peru’s success can be attributed to several factors, including:
- A focused talent development program launched in 2022, which has produced a new generation of elite judoka
- Strategic partnerships with Japanese and French judo federations for technical training
- A shift in coaching philosophy emphasizing tactical judo over brute strength
- Increased government support, including the construction of a new national judo academy in Lima
What This Means for Peru’s Future
Peru’s second-place finish in Lima has significant implications for the country’s judo program and its ambitions on the world stage:
Key Takeaways
- Pan American Games Qualification: Peru has secured 12 of its 14 possible quota spots for the 2027 Pan American Games in Santiago, with two more to be determined in the remaining weight classes.
- World Rankings Boost: With Lam now in the top ten globally and León maintaining her elite status, Peru has five judoka ranked in the top 50 worldwide, up from just two before the tournament.
- Olympic Aspirations: León’s continued dominance puts her in position to challenge for an Olympic medal in 2028, while Flores and Lam could emerge as dark horses for Tokyo 2032.
- Funding Opportunities: The team’s success has already generated increased interest from international sponsors, with reports suggesting a potential $2 million funding boost for Peru’s judo program over the next four years.
- Regional Rivalry Shift: Brazil’s traditional dominance in South American judo has been challenged, with Peru now positioned to become the continent’s leading force.
The Lima tournament also served as a proving ground for Peru’s judo team ahead of the 2027 World Championships in Abu Dhabi. With several athletes now ranked in the top 20 globally, expectations are high that Peru will make its deepest run in World Championship history.
Coach Roberto Suárez was effusive in his praise: “This is a turning point for Peruvian judo. We’ve shown the world what we’re capable of, and now we have to maintain this momentum. The entire country is behind us, and that support will take us even further.”
The Road Ahead: Next Steps for Peru’s Judo Team
The Lima 2026 Pan American Judo Championships concluded on June 2, but the work for Peru’s judoka is far from over. Here’s what’s next:
- June 15-17: Peru’s judo team will participate in the Grand Slam Abu Dhabi, where several athletes will aim to improve their world rankings ahead of the World Championships.
- July 2026: The team will begin a three-month training camp in Japan, focusing on refining techniques and preparing for the Pan American Games qualification period.
- September 2026: Peru will host the South American Judo Championships in Lima, serving as another opportunity to test new talent and maintain momentum.
- March 2027: The Pan American Games in Santiago will be the first major test of Peru’s newfound dominance, with expectations high for multiple medals.
For fans looking to follow Peru’s judo team, the official sources for updates include:
- The Peruvian Judo Federation’s official website
- The team’s Instagram account, where they regularly post training videos and athlete interviews
- The International Judo Federation’s news section for international competition updates
What’s next for Peru’s judo team? With their eyes set on the 2027 Pan American Games and beyond, the country’s athletes have proven they belong among the world’s elite. Will this momentum carry them to Olympic glory in 2028 and beyond?
Share your thoughts in the comments below or join the conversation on social media using #PeruJudoRising. And for more updates on Peru’s sports scene, stay tuned to ArchySport.
