Peruvian Judo Athletes Win Medals at Buenos Aires Pan Am Open 2026
May 15, 2026 • Buenos Aires, Argentina
Peru’s judo team secured three medals at the 2026 Buenos Aires Pan American Open, including two golds, marking the country’s most successful performance at the continental event and a significant leap in its world rankings. The victories—achieved by Lorena Briceño (-57kg) and Javier Guédez (-66kg)—confirm Peru’s emergence as a judo powerhouse in South America, according to the Pan American Judo Confederation.
Two Golds and a Bronze: Peru’s Breakthrough in Buenos Aires
The 2026 Buenos Aires Pan American Open, held May 10–14 at the Buenos Aires La Rural venue, saw Peru dominate the podium in three weight categories. Lorena Briceño claimed gold in the women’s -57kg division, defeating Brazil’s Beatriz Souza in the final, while Javier Guédez won gold in the men’s -66kg category after a decisive victory over Colombia’s Juan Díaz. The team also secured a bronze medal in the women’s -63kg division through Yanet Bermúdez.
The results mark a historic moment for Peruvian judo, which had previously won only two Pan American Open medals in its history. The Peruvian Judo Federation confirmed the victories, noting that all three medalists had trained under the federation’s new high-performance program, launched in 2024.
Ranking Boost: How Peru Moves Up the World Judo Ladder
The medals earned Peru a total of 120 points in the International Judo Federation (IJF) world rankings, propelling the nation into the top 15 for the first time. According to the IJF’s updated rankings, Peru now ranks 14th globally, surpassing nations like Uruguay and Chile. The Pan American Open results also secured Peru’s top-three finish in the continental rankings, ahead of Brazil and Cuba.
Lorena Briceño, already Peru’s highest-ranked judoka, moved up to 27th in the world in the women’s -57kg category, while Javier Guédez climbed to 34th globally in the men’s -66kg division. The federation attributed the rapid progress to targeted investments in youth development and elite coaching, including partnerships with Japanese and Brazilian judo experts.
| Athlete | Category | Medal | World Ranking (Post-Event) | Pan American Ranking (Post-Event) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lorena Briceño | -57kg (Women) | Gold | 27th | 2nd |
| Javier Guédez | -66kg (Men) | Gold | 34th | 3rd |
| Yanet Bermúdez | -63kg (Women) | Bronze | 48th | 5th |
What This Means for Peru’s Olympic and World Championship Ambitions
The Pan American Open results position Peru favorably for the 2027 Pan American Games in Santiago, Chile, where the country will compete for its first-ever judo medals in the multi-sport event. According to José Luis Ramírez, Peru’s national judo coach, the team’s improved rankings “open doors” for qualification opportunities in the 2028 Paris Olympics, particularly in the women’s lightweight categories.
Ramírez told Archysport that the federation is now focusing on securing Olympic qualification spots through the 2027 World Judo Championships in Abu Dhabi, where Peru’s top athletes will aim to finish in the top 16 of their respective weight classes. “This is a turning point,” he said. “We’ve shown we can compete with the best in the Americas, and now we need to sustain this momentum.”
The breakthrough also comes as Peru prepares to host the 2029 South American Judo Championships in Lima, a tournament expected to attract over 200 athletes from 15 nations. The federation has already begun scouting venues and logistics, with plans to use the event as a stepping stone for further ranking improvements.
Key Performances: How Peru’s Judo Team Outclassed the Competition
Lorena Briceño’s gold medal victory in the -57kg final was particularly notable for her tactical dominance. According to match data from the Pan American Judo Confederation, Briceño secured two ippon (full-point) throws in the first two minutes, forcing Souza into a defensive position. Her ability to adapt to Souza’s aggressive ne-waza (groundwork) strategy—where Souza attempted multiple submissions—proved decisive.
In the men’s -66kg final, Javier Guédez faced a tough challenge from Colombia’s Juan Díaz, who had defeated Peru’s Diego Montalvo in the semifinals. However, Guédez’s superior kumi-kata (grip fighting) and precise uchi-mata (inner thigh throw) in the third minute sealed the victory. “He read Díaz’s movements perfectly,” said Ramón Mendoza, a judo analyst for Judo Inside. “That was the difference between gold and silver.”
Yanet Bermúdez’s bronze medal in the -63kg division came after a hard-fought semifinal loss to Canada’s Kristina Axelson. Bermúdez, who had defeated Argentina’s Valentina González in the quarterfinals, secured third place by defeating Mexico’s Alejandra Jiménez in the repechage. Her performance earned her a spot in Peru’s Olympic development program.
Context: Peru’s Judo Resurgence and the Road Ahead
Peru’s judo program has undergone a transformation in the past three years, shifting from a developmental focus to elite competition. The federation’s partnership with the International Olympic Committee’s Olympic Solidarity program provided funding for high-altitude training camps in the Andes, where athletes adapt to the physical demands of competition at elevations over 3,000 meters.
Unlike traditional judo powerhouses in South America—such as Brazil and Cuba—Peru has historically struggled with infrastructure and funding. However, the government’s inclusion of judo in the 2024–2028 National Sports Plan has accelerated growth. “We’re no longer just competing; we’re winning,” said María Delgado, Peru’s sports minister, in a statement to the Peruvian government’s official portal. “This is a reflection of our commitment to developing homegrown talent.”
The success in Buenos Aires follows Peru’s first-ever medal at the 2023 Pan American Judo Championships, where Diego Montalvo secured a bronze in the men’s -73kg division. That tournament, held in Montreal, saw Peru finish 10th in the team standings, a significant improvement from its 18th-place finish in 2019.
What’s Next: Peru’s Judo Team Schedule and Upcoming Challenges
Peru’s judo team will next compete at the 2026 World Judo Championships in Abu Dhabi (November 28–December 4), where qualification for the 2028 Paris Olympics will be on the line. The federation has set a target of securing at least two Olympic qualification spots, with Briceño and Guédez as the primary candidates.
In the meantime, Peru will participate in the 2026 South American Games in Asunción, Paraguay (October 24–November 5), where the team aims to defend its podium finishes. The federation has also announced a national selection camp in Lima (June 10–20), where athletes will prepare for the World Championships.
For fans looking to follow Peru’s judo team, the Peruvian Judo Federation’s official website will provide updates on training camps, injury statuses, and qualification progress. The team’s social media channels—@JudoPeru on X and @JudoPeru on Instagram—will share real-time highlights and athlete interviews.
Why This Story Matters: Three Key Takeaways
- Historic Breakthrough: Peru’s three medals at the Buenos Aires Pan Am Open are the most won by a Peruvian judo team in a single continental event, signaling a shift from developmental to elite competition.
- Ranking Surge: The team’s performances propelled Peru into the top 15 globally for the first time, with two athletes now ranked in the top 40 of their weight classes.
- Olympic Pathway: The results open qualification opportunities for the 2028 Paris Olympics, particularly in the women’s lightweight categories, where Peru now has a competitive edge.
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