Venezuela achieved its best-ever performance in the history of the Youth Olympic Games in Dakar, securing a medal haul that surpassed the nation’s previous record set in Buenos Aires 2018.
The delegation concluded the event with two gold medals, three silver, and one bronze.
The milestone was finalized by Grenyelis García, who claimed the gold medal in the 51 kg boxing category. Her victory solidified a historic showing for the country, building on the two gold medals won in Argentina six years ago.
“The gold medal obtained by Grenyelis García in the 51 kg boxing category sealed in Dakar the best performance of Venezuela in the history of the Youth Olympic Games,” the report said. The result reflects a showing for the country, with the team having previously finished 34th in the overall standings during the Buenos Aires 2018 edition.
Venezuela’s path to this record began in 2010 at the inaugural Youth Games in Singapore, where the team earned two silver and three bronze medals to finish 63rd. By 2014 in Nanjing, the total medal count rose to eight—the highest numerical total to date—but the team failed to secure a gold, placing 53rd overall.
Wilfredo Rodríguez from Barinas secured the first gold of the games for Venezuela in beach wrestling, a discipline making its Youth Olympic debut.
Several athletes contributed to the record-breaking medal tally with silver performances across new and traditional sports. Valeria Dudamel earned a silver medal in wushu, a sport that was officially added to the youth Olympic program for the Dakar games.
Other silver medals were claimed by Osmary Pacheco in the 400-meter dash and the women’s futsal team. The futsal squad reached the final in their first Olympic appearance, narrowly losing 4-3 to Ukraine in extra time. The delegation’s lone bronze medal was awarded to judoka Rosalvick Aguilar.
Beyond the podium, six Venezuelan athletes earned diplomas for their placements in various events. Swimmer Adanuriel Rosal secured two diplomas for her performances in the 100m and 200m freestyle finals.
Additional recognition went to Dakota Ferrer and Jonathan Vega in mixed doubles table tennis, Ester Oyola in beach wrestling, sprinter Richard Peña in the 400m, and pole vaulter Enmmanuel Chávez.
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