Team Perú Names Silvana Donayre and Fernando Jimeno as Flag Bearers for Panama 2026 Youth Games

The Comité Olímpico Peruano (COP) has officially designated judoka Silvana Franchesca Isabella Donayre Pillaca and wrestler Fernando Jimeno Mendizábal as the flag bearers for the Peruvian delegation at the IV South American Youth Games Panama 2026. The announcement came during a formal farewell ceremony held on Tuesday, April 7, where the organization sent off the athletes who will represent the nation in Panama.

Donayre and Jimeno will lead the march during the Opening Ceremony, serving as the face of a 141-athlete contingent. The games are scheduled to take place from April 12 to April 25, 2026, marking a pivotal moment for Peru’s emerging sporting talent on the continental stage.

Rising Stars Leading the Charge

The selection of Donayre and Jimeno reflects the COP’s commitment to recognizing consistent excellence among its youth athletes. Silvana Donayre, competing in judo, enters the Panama games with a strong momentum of recent achievements. Her resume includes a gold medal at the 2026 National Cadet Championship in the -57 kg category and a silver medal at the 2026 Pan American Cadet Cup in the same weight class.

Donayre’s trajectory has been one of steady growth. she previously secured a bronze medal at the 2023 Pan American Youth Championship, where she competed in the -52 kg category. This versatility and consistency across weight classes produce her a standout candidate to lead the team.

Joining her is Fernando Jimeno Mendizábal, a specialist in wrestling (lucha), who shares the honor of carrying the national colors. Together, they represent the combat sports’ strength within the Peruvian youth system, signaling a strategic focus on disciplines where the country has shown competitive growth.

A Massive Delegation and Long-Term Vision

The scale of the Peruvian effort in Panama is significant, with 141 athletes selected to compete across various disciplines. This large delegation underscores the COP’s goal of maximizing exposure and experience for youth athletes before they transition to senior-level international competition.

Beyond the immediate goals of the South American Youth Games, the COP used the farewell ceremony to announce a strategic partnership that extends well into the next Olympic cycle. The organization has entered into a clothing agreement with the sportswear brand Head, via Ripley. This partnership is not limited to the upcoming events in Panama but will provide athletic gear for Peruvian representatives through 2026, the IV South American Youth Games, the Pan American Games Lima 2027 and the Olympic Games Los Angeles 2028.

Key Details: IV South American Youth Games Panama 2026

• Dates: April 12 – April 25, 2026
• Location: Panama
• Total Peruvian Athletes: 141
• Flag Bearers: Silvana Donayre (Judo) and Fernando Jimeno (Wrestling)

Official Leadership and Support

The send-off ceremony was attended by the highest echelons of Peruvian sports administration, emphasizing the importance of the event. Present at the event were Renzo Manyari, President of the COP; María Martínez, General Secretary of the COP; and Vanessa Endo, the Head of Mission.

Additional institutional support was represented by Cinthia Ramírez Santillana, the Institutional Head of the Instituto Nacional de Radio y Televisión del Perú (IRTP), and Mauricio Martínez, the Director of the National Directorate of Affiliated Sports. The presence of these officials highlights the coordinated effort between athletic governing bodies and national media to promote the visibility of youth sports.

For those following the progress of these young athletes, the transition from regional championships to the South American Youth Games is a critical step. These events often serve as the primary scouting ground for future Olympic prospects, providing the high-pressure environment necessary to prepare for the 2027 and 2028 cycles.

The Peruvian delegation is now preparing for their final travel arrangements and acclimatization in Panama. The first official checkpoint will be the Opening Ceremony on April 12, where Donayre and Jimeno will officially lead Team Perú into the arena.

Do you think Peru can dominate the combat sports categories in Panama? Share your predictions in the comments below.