Machado and Mora win rowing gold for Venezuela at Central American Games

Venezuelan rowers Jaime Machado and André Mora clinched the gold medal in the men's coxless pair event at the Santo Domingo 2026 Central American and Caribbean Games. The formidable duo powered their way to victory, stopping the clock at 6 minutes and 44.67 seconds, securing Venezuela's fifth gold medal of the prestigious regional competition.

This triumph in rowing marks the discipline's second gold medal for Venezuela in the current games. The synchronization and power displayed by Machado and Mora were evident from the outset. They established a strong pace, completing the first kilometer in 3:22.30, ultimately celebrating a well-deserved win.

The silver medal in the men's coxless pair went to Cuba's Reidy Cardona and Pedro González, who finished with a time of 6:45.38. Mexico's Hugo Reyes and Jordy Gutierrez secured the bronze medal.

Rowing has proven to be a successful sport for Venezuela at these games. Earlier, Kimbelin Meneses earned a bronze medal in the women's single sculls category with a time of 8:12.79, finishing behind Mexico's Kenia Lechuga and Cuba's Loraidis Echevarría. Meneses had also previously won a silver medal alongside Keila García in the lightweight women's double sculls.

As of the latest update, Venezuela holds the fourth position in the overall medal standings with a total of 19 medals: five gold, five silver, and nine bronze. The games commenced on July 24 and are scheduled to conclude on August 8.