“Me siento contenta porque los años anteriores no había logrado sacar podio y este año lo logré, entonces igual es un gran avance para mí,” said Muriel Cortés after securing a silver medal at the national school tournament.
Athletes Alondra Carmona and Muriel Cortés claimed second-place finishes in their respective weight classes, contributing to a total haul of four regional silvers alongside teammates Emily Herrera and Antara Fuentevilla.
Silver Medals Secured in Valparaíso Weight Categories
Competing in the -63 kg division, Muriel Cortés of the Colegio Adventista de La Serena earned the silver medal following a consistent run through the tournament bracket. Cristhel Ruiz Bustos of the Valparaíso Region captured the gold medal in the same weight class.
In the +70 kg division, Alondra Carmona Gómez representing the Colegio María de Andacollo advanced to the final match and placed second. Trinidad Araya Rosales of the Metropolitan Region secured the gold medal in that category.
Reflecting on her path to the podium, Fuentevilla said, “Me sentí alegre y feliz. En el segundo combate hice un pequeño ippon y me sentí feliz porque iba a pasar a la final. Aunque perdí en la final, igual me sentí emocionada por haber sacado el segundo lugar.”
Regional Sports Authority Praises Athlete Discipline
Following the tournament results, Regional Sports Ministerial Secretary (Seremi del Deporte) Ismael Zapata Frías praised the dedication shown by the under-14 competitors. “Sentimos una inmensa felicidad y orgullo por estas cuatro medallas de plata, si bien nuestro compromiso era recibirlas de la mejor forma, independiente del resultado, hoy es de justicia resaltar el esfuerzo de las deportistas sub 14, de sus entrenadores y de sus familias,” Zapata Frías stated, emphasizing the demanding training schedules and time commitment required in judo.
Mixed Results Across Regional Team Sports
While the judo team excelled on the mats, other regional school teams faced elimination in knockout stages. In women’s team handball, the Colegio San Viator delegation from Ovalle lost a closely contested match 14–16 against representatives from the Araucanía Region.
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