Venezuela Concludes ParaSouth American Games with 89 Medals, Highlighting Swimming and Badminton Success

VENezuela secured 89 medals at the 2023 ParaSouth American Games in Valledupar, Colombia, marking a significant milestone in the nation’s para-sports history. The tally included 24 gold, 27 silver, and 38 bronze medals, according to the official Games report released on October 22. The success was particularly notable in aquatic events and badminton, where Venezuelan athletes showcased dominant performances.

Venezuela’s Medal Tally: A Record-Breaking Performance

The 89-medal total surpassed Venezuela’s previous best at the ParaSouth American Games, which was 67 medals in 2019. The achievement underscores the country’s growing investment in para-athletics, with officials crediting improved training programs and increased participation. “This is a testament to the dedication of our athletes and the support from the Venezuelan Paralympic Committee,” said María Elena Martínez, president of the Venezuelan Paralympic Committee, in a press conference.

Valledupar, a city in northeastern Colombia, hosted the Games from October 14–22, with over 1,200 athletes from 13 nations competing across 18 sports. Venezuela’s performance placed them third in the overall medal table, behind Argentina (102 medals) and Brazil (145 medals). The nation’s success was driven by strong showings in swimming, badminton, and powerlifting, with several athletes setting new regional records.

Swimming Dominance: Cristhian Requena Shines

Para-swimming was a cornerstone of Venezuela’s success, with athletes securing 18 medals, including six golds. Among them, Cristhian Requena became the standout name, winning three golds in the S11 category (visually impaired athletes). Requena, 26, claimed victories in the 100m freestyle, 400m freestyle, and 200m individual medley, setting a new ParaSouth American Games record in the 400m freestyle with a time of 4:35.12.

Requena’s achievements have drawn attention from international scouts. “Cristhian’s performances are exceptional,” said Maria Lopez, a swim coach with the Colombian Paralympic Committee, who attended the Games. “His technique and consistency in high-pressure events are rare for an athlete of his age.” Requena’s success also highlights Venezuela’s progress in para-swimming, a sport where the nation had previously struggled to compete at the top tier.

Badminton Breakthrough: A New Era for Venezuelan Para-Badminton

Venezuela’s badminton team delivered one of the most unexpected successes of the Games, earning 12 medals, including four golds. The team’s performance marked a historic breakthrough, as the sport had not previously been a major focus for Venezuelan para-athletes. “We’ve been working on this for years,” said José Luis Fernández, head coach of the Venezuelan badminton delegation. “This is the result of strategic planning and collaboration with international federations.”

The team’s gold medalists included Yuliana Pérez, who won the women’s singles SH6 category, and Daniel Martínez, who claimed victory in the men’s singles SL3 category. Pérez’s win in the singles event was particularly significant, as she became the first Venezuelan woman to secure a gold in para-badminton at a continental Games. “This is a dream come true,” Pérez said after her victory. “I hope this inspires more young athletes to take up the sport.”

Powerlifting and Athletics: Consistent Performances

Powerlifting contributed 10 medals to Venezuela’s total, with athletes like Javier Morales (42kg category) and Ana Fernández (50kg category) securing multiple podium finishes. Morales, 34, won two golds and a silver, lifting a personal best of 120kg in the men’s 42kg event. His performance earned him a spot in the 2024 Paralympic Games qualifiers, according to the International Paralympic Committee (IPC).

In athletics, Venezuela’s track and field team added seven medals, including a gold in the men’s T47 100m by José Ramírez. Ramírez, 29, clocked a time of 11.22 seconds, a regional record. “This is a huge step for Venezuelan athletics,” said Ramírez, who previously competed in the 2020 Tokyo Paralympics. “We’re proving that we can compete with the best in the region.”

Challenges and Opportunities for the Future

Despite the success, Venezuelan para-athletes faced logistical challenges during the Games. The Valledupar venue, while modern, experienced occasional delays in equipment setup, according to a report by the Games’ organizing committee. Additionally, some athletes cited difficulties in securing travel funding for international competitions. “We’re grateful for the support we received, but there’s still a long way to go,” said Martínez, the badminton coach.

Looking ahead, Venezuela’s Paralympic Committee has announced plans to expand its para-sports infrastructure, including the construction of a national training center in Caracas. The facility, scheduled to open in 2025, will focus on high-performance training for athletes in swimming, badminton, and other emerging sports. “This is a game-changer,” said Martínez. “It will give our athletes the resources they need to succeed on the global stage.”

What’s Next for Venezuela’s Para-Sports Program?

Venezuela’s success at the ParaSouth American Games has already sparked discussions about its participation in future international events. The nation is set to host the 2025 ParaPan American Games in Caracas, a milestone that will require significant investment in venues and athlete development. “This is a chance to showcase our progress,” said Martínez. “We’re preparing to make 2025 a defining year for Venezuelan para-sports.”

For now, the focus remains on the 2024 Paralympic Games in Paris. Venezuela has already qualified 12 athletes across six sports, including swimming and powerlifting. The team’s performance in Valledupar has boosted confidence ahead of the global stage. “We’re ready,” said Requena. “This is just the beginning.”

For more updates on Venezuela’s para-sports achievements, follow Archysport’s Para-Sports section.