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The Cuban Marifélix Sarría had a historic day in the over 86 kilograms division of the Pan American Weightlifting Championship Cali 2025, winning two gold medals, one silver medal, and setting a couple of continental records.
The athlete from Cienfuegos delivered an impeccable performance on the stage of the Miguel Calero Coliseum, successfully completing all her attempts, according to information provided by the site JIT.
In the starting exercise, she lifted 112, 116, and 118 kilograms, securing the silver medal, surpassed only by the Dominican Crismery Santana (119 kg). The bronze went to the American Mary Theinsen-Lappen (117 kg).
In the clean and jerk, Sarría unleashed all his power with lifts of 154, 157, and 162 kilos, a figure that earned him the pan-American title and set a new continental record. The podium was completed by American Theinsen-Lappen (161 kg) and Brazilian Taiane Justino (151 kg).
The total of his lifts (280 kg) earned him the crown in the biathlon, another continental record, surpassing Theinsen-Lappen (278 kg) and the Venezuelan Naryury Pérez (265 kg).
In addition, Sarría shattered her own personal records, improving her snatch by three kilograms, her clean and jerk by five, and her total in the biathlon by eight. Her performance represents a new milestone for Cuban women's weightlifting in this weight category.
With the closure of the aforementioned women's division, the Pan American event has come to a close. Now, the focus of the Cuban and Antillean delegation is on the next international challenge: the World Weightlifting Championship, scheduled from October 1 to 10 in Norway.
His doping case
In April 2024, the Audience Panel of Centro Caribe Sports
The suspension had been imposed in August due to a violation of the rules, after a urine sample taken during the XXIV Central American and Caribbean Games in San Salvador 2023 tested positive for the substance Boldenone and its metabolites.
This substance is prohibited according to the World Anti-Doping Agency's List of Prohibited Substances and Methods.
Sarría, who had been a gold medalist in the over 87 kg division, had his medal from the San Salvador 2023 Central American and Caribbean Games revoked due to testing positive for doping.
However, after a thorough investigation, the Panel determined that although Sarría Ruiz had committed a violation, no culpability or negligence was found on his part. Therefore, no period of ineligibility will be imposed on him.
The defense of the young athlete, who is from Cienfuegos, argued that the presence of the substance in her system was due to the consumption of contaminated meat prior to her participation in the competition.
Frequently asked questions about the achievements of Cuban weightlifter Marifélix Sarría
What were Marifélix Sarría's achievements at the 2025 Pan American Weightlifting Championship?
Marifélix Sarría achieved two gold medals, one silver and set two continental records at the Pan American Weightlifting Championship Cali 2025. Her performance included an impressive display in the clean and jerk, where she established a new record with 162 kg.
What continental records did the Cuban weightlifter set in the event?
Marifélix Sarría set new continental records in the clean and jerk with 162 kg and in the total for the biathlon with 280 kg. These achievements highlight her remarkable ability and mark a milestone in her sports career.
How did Marifélix Sarría overcome her previous doping case?
In April 2024, the Audiences Panel of Centro Caribe Sports lifted the provisional suspension for doping that Marifélix Sarría was facing. Although Boldenone was detected in her system, it was determined that there was no fault or negligence on her part, attributing the presence of the substance to the consumption of contaminated meat.
What is the next international challenge for Marifélix Sarría and the Cuban delegation?
The next international challenge for Marifélix Sarría and the Cuban delegation will be the World Weightlifting Championship, which will take place from October 1 to 10 in Norway. This event will provide a new opportunity for Sarría to showcase her talent and preparation.
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