Angy Quintero returns to podium with silver medal after injury comeback

Venezuelan athlete Angy Quintero has captured a silver medal in speed skating at the Central American and Caribbean Games in Santo Domingo, adding to Venezuela's tally of 24 silver medals. The 27-year-old's achievement in the 5,000-meter points race is particularly poignant, given her recent struggles.

Quintero, a former world and World Games medalist, faced a significant personal challenge with a year-long knee injury. This setback brought her to the brink of retirement, making her return to the podium a deeply emotional moment. "This medal means a lot to me. I had a difficult process in sports. I had a knee injury. It took me out of the track for almost a year, and to be back here representing my country and wearing this tricolor has immense importance," Quintero told the Venezuelan Olympic Committee's press department.

She further reflected on the difficulties faced by many athletes from her country, adding, "Because of what happened in the country, I know it's difficult for many athletes to be here. There are many mixed feelings." Quintero confessed, "At one point, I thought I would never be on the podium again." The injury had made her doubt her ability to continue, and she expressed gratitude for the chance to skate again, acknowledging that there is still progress to be made.

Venezuelan speed skating added another medal to its collection as Roberto García claimed a bronze in the 200-meter time trial. García expressed his gratitude for the support received and his focus on future competitions. "I am truly grateful for what I have achieved so far and with my mind focused on what's next," he stated to the COV. "Bringing these medals to Venezuela, to my family, and specifically to my mother, who is my physiotherapist." García's time was 17.592 seconds, and he feels the structured training is yielding results, with an eye toward achieving gold.