Havana, Dec. – Cuban weightlifting experienced a 2025 marked by world feats, consolidation on the continental stage, and the emergence of young talents projected towards a promising future.
From the junior platforms to the highest levels, including those arranged for athletes with disabilities, representatives of this discipline left positive marks.
The season’s highlight came at the World Championship in Forde, Norway, where Marifélix Sarría made history in the +86 kilogram division.
The athlete from Cienfuegos took home three silver medals (snatch, clean and jerk, and total), with lifts of 118, 157, and 375 kilograms, surpassing the best performance by a Cuban in events of this kind.
This achievement had previously belonged to Ludia Montero, who won two silver medals at the Pattaya 2019 competition in Thailand, and is now the owner of a sixth-place finish in the 48 kg division, a result that reflects her determination to come back.
After her performance in the Nordic country, Marifélix made headlines again when she won two golds, one silver, and set two continental records at the Pan American Championship in Cali.
“This year has been an incredible journey full of achievements that have left me very satisfied. The medals stand as a testament to the effort and dedication I have put into my training, with the help of many people,” the young woman from the Pearl of the South emphasized.
“I have great expectations and clear goals, with the Central American and Caribbean Games in Santo Domingo among my most important objectives,” she reflected before declaring her commitment to improving her records.
OTHER SUCCESSES
During the II Junior Pan American Games in Asunción, Enmanuel de la Rosa was crowned champion in the 79 kg category with a total of 310 kg, securing a ticket to the Pan American Games in Lima 2027.
His victory was complemented by the bronze medal won by Yulieski Martínez (65 kg), highlighting the depth of talent in the sport.
Previously, at the Junior Pan American Championships in Havana, the Cuban team achieved a commendable fifth place in the men's division, with three golds and two silvers, behind Venezuela (7-7-5), Brazil (4-1-5), Colombia (4-3-0), and Argentina (3-0-2).
Among the women, their representatives ranked ninth, earning three bronze medals. The top teams were the United States (6-1-2), Venezuela (5-7-4), and Colombia (5-3-2), in that order.
GIRLS SHINE IN PARAPOWERLIFTING
Parapowerlifting began its strong campaign at the III World Cup in Santiago, Chile, where Cuba earned 17 medals (8 gold, 7 silver, 2 bronze).
At the world tournament hosted in Cairo, Egypt, the performances of two talents were highlighted: Daynelis Vázquez (41 kg) and Amalia Jiménez (45 kg).
The former crowned herself rookie champion with gold and silver, improving her personal record three times by lifting 73, 75, and 77 kilos, respectively, and accumulating a total of 225 kg.
Jiménez also stood atop the podium after setting a world record and a Pan-American record by successfully lifting 84, 86, and 88 kilos, totaling 258 kg.
In the same event, the men's team earned silver in the team category, and Leidy Rodríguez won bronze in the women's 50-kilogram division.
During the VI Parapan American Youth Games in Chile, this sport contributed nine medals to Cuba’s tally: four gold, five silver, and two bronze.
“In my short sports career, I did not expect to achieve these results. I feel very proud and grateful to my coaches for giving me the opportunity to prove that I am capable and that I can continue to improve,” Vázquez told JIT.
“From me, expect dedication, perseverance, and willpower to keep competing for my country,” said the young athlete.
THERE WAS ALSO CONSOLIDATION AT HOME
On the national level, the future was strengthened. Granma led the local first category championship, Santiago de Cuba the 12th Cerro Pelado Cup, and Cienfuegos the tournament of the 61st School Games.
Is there much to be done? Surely, but looking back at the past months encourages those responsible for this mission.
(Taken from JIT)
