Colombia reaches 24 gold medals in Panama. The Colombian delegation remains in fourth place in the overall medal table at the IV South American Youth Games Panama 2026 after securing 24 gold medals this Friday, April 24.
The national team has accumulated a total of 76 medals, placing behind Brazil, Argentina, and Venezuela in the official standings. Colombian athletes achieved their most recent victories in track and field athletics and weightlifting during the finals held in the Panamanian capital.
The organization’s official record confirms the country has reached 24 golds, 16 silvers, and 38 bronzes. This figure represents a significant increase in medal production compared to the initial block of competitions earlier this week, thanks to effectiveness in speed and strength events. Due to this performance, the national representation maintains a considerable lead over Chile and is closing in on third-place Venezuela.
Dominance on the athletics track
National sprinters delivered decisive triumphs through superior technical execution in hurdle and relay events. In hurdles, Juliana Rodriguez and Michel Gomez were crowned champions in the women’s 100m and 400m, respectively, contributing two gold medals. Jose Sinisterra prevailed in the final of the men’s 110m hurdles.
In relays, athletes Sergio Rojas, Laura Alcala, Jose Valencia, and Michel Gomez took first place in the mixed 4 × 400m relay. The women’s 4 × 100m relay team — comprising Juliana Rodriguez, Emily Roman, Wanda Arizala, and Dayara Tovar — also secured the gold medal. Notably, both Juliana Rodriguez and Michel Gomez earned golds in both individual performances and as part of their respective relay teams.
Colombia also took ownership of the javelin throw in both the men’s and women’s categories, thanks to athletes Ilsa Cordoba and Dilan Graciano, adding two additional golds for the country.
Weightlifting adds another gold
Similarly, weightlifting added to the success of Kevin Campaz with a standout performance by Anggello Bueno in the 79kg category. The Colombian executed a 122kg snatch and a 150kg clean and jerk for a total of 272kg, surpassing representatives from Venezuela and Chile.
Three-day sprint
The Games will be decided between Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. While Brazil currently appears to be the likely candidate to repeat its title from the 2022 South American Games in Asuncion, the Colombian delegation will push to overtake its rivals and ratify its second-place finish, as it did four years ago on Paraguayan soil.