Dominican Republic wins third judo gold; Mexico extends lead in medal table

Robert Florentino of the Dominican Republic clinched the gold medal in judo's -90kg category at the Central American and Caribbean Games on Monday, defeating Derik Rodríguez of Puerto Rico by ippon. This victory marks Florentino's first gold at the Games, having previously won silver medals in Barranquilla 2018 and San Salvador 2023. The 29-year-old judoka has also competed in the Tokyo 2020 and Paris 2024 Olympic Games and earned a silver at the Santiago 2023 Pan American Games.

Adding to the Dominican Republic's success, Bernardo Pie won gold in taekwondo's -74kg division, defeating Adrián Benítez of Puerto Rico 2-0. This is Pie's third consecutive gold medal in the Central American and Caribbean Games, and he is also a silver medalist from the 2019 Pan American Games in Peru. "I come from overcoming a serious injury I suffered about six months ago, but despite this, I kept training at the highest level to make my mind ignore that negative part until reaching this moment," Pie stated after his victory. "I feel grateful, honored to represent the Dominican Republic. In all of them I have won medals, and I believe this is a historic record for a taekwondo athlete from my country; this fills me with pride and emotion."

Mexico continues to dominate the overall medal standings, holding a significant lead with 23 gold, 21 silver, and 19 bronze medals since the first day of the Games. Colombia is in second place, followed by Cuba and Venezuela. In rowing, Mexico's Kenia Lechuga secured a dominant victory in the single sculls event, finishing with a time of 07:54.49 minutes. Lechuga, a three-time Olympian, has won multiple medals in previous Central American and Caribbean Games, including golds in Barranquilla 2018. Cuban rowers Rayma Ortiz and Natalie Morales also contributed to their country's medal count, winning gold in the women's pair without coxswain.

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I come from overcoming a serious injury I suffered about six months ago, but despite this, I kept training at the highest level to make my mind ignore that negative part until reaching this moment. I feel grateful, honored to represent the Dominican Republic. In all of them I have won medals, and I believe this is a historic record for a taekwondo athlete from my country; this fills me with pride and emotion.