Central American Games: Patricia Mercado Wins Weightlifting Gold

Venezuelan weightlifter Patricia Mercado clinched the gold medal in the snatch at the Central American and Caribbean Games, held in the Dominican Republic. Mercado successfully lifted 83 kilograms in the snatch discipline, outperforming local competitors Ludia Montero and Dahiana Ortiz.

In her initial attempt, Mercado lifted 79 kilograms, surpassing Montero's 78 kilograms. While Montero improved to 82 kilograms in her third attempt, Mercado responded with an 83-kilogram lift, matching her national record in the snatch. This performance secured her the top spot on the podium.

Mercado also earned a silver medal in the clean and jerk event. She registered 97 and 99 kilograms in her first two attempts. However, Ortiz, who had faltered in the snatch, managed to lift 100 kilograms in her final clean and jerk attempt, taking the gold. Montero lifted 94 kilograms but declined to attempt 99 kilograms.

Despite narrowly missing gold in the clean and jerk, Mercado expressed satisfaction with her performance, highlighting her concentration and control. "I had great concentration to achieve total control in the attack, but in the clean and jerk, the gold slipped away slightly," she told the Ministry of Sport. This marks Mercado's second gold medal in international competition during the Olympic cycle leading up to Los Angeles 2028, having previously won gold in the clean and jerk at the 2025 Bolivarian Games.

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I had great concentration to achieve total control in the attack, but in the clean and jerk, the gold slipped away slightly.