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In her first trip to the Junior Pan American Games, the judoka from Artemisa, Dayanara Curbelo (+78 kg), not only fulfilled her dream of competing at the highest level but also turned it into gold, securing Cuba's first gold medal in Asunción 2025 with an impeccable performance on the mat.
With powerful throws and collar grips, Curbelo won the final by disqualification against the Chilean Kharla Casas, after also defeating the Costa Rican Arianne González by disqualification and the Canadian Alisa Kofman by ippón, according to the site JIT.
Behind the Gold: Work and Humility
Curbelo is not an ordinary athlete. Her success stems not only from her technique but also from a rigorous routine that begins before dawn.
“In judo, nothing is easy. Everything requires hard work, especially when coming to such an important event and dreaming of a medal,” the champion declared to the mentioned digital space, who also had the honor of carrying the Cuban flag in the opening ceremony.
Aware of her areas for improvement, the young athlete from Artemisa acknowledges that she needs to perfect her shoulder and hip techniques, as well as build strength. “Cuba has had very good judokas, and I would like to be like them. That requires total discipline and dedication, something my coaches in Artemisa taught me since I started judo at the age of 13,” she stated.
With feet on the ground
Despite the title, Curbelo remains humble: “This gold doesn’t mean that I have arrived. On the contrary, it showed me how much I need to improve. I want to refine my technique, strengthen my mind, and continue learning from each fight,” he told JIT.
Her maturity, discipline, and desire for improvement suggest that this will not be the last time her name resonates at the top of the podium for Cuba.
The multi-sport event, featuring over 4,000 athletes from 41 countries, kicked off last Saturday and will run until August 23.
Frequently Asked Questions about Dayanara Curbelo's Performance and Cuban Judo at the Junior Pan American Games
Who won the first gold medal for Cuba at the Junior Pan American Games 2025?
The judoka from Artemisa, Dayanara Curbelo, won the first gold medal for Cuba at the 2025 Junior Pan American Games, following an outstanding performance in the +78 kg category.
What was Dayanara Curbelo's path to gold at the Junior Pan American Games?
Dayanara Curbelo won the gold medal after defeating the Chilean Kharla Casas by disqualification in the final, and previously overcame the Costa Rican Arianne González and the Canadian Alisa Kofman, the latter by ippón. Her success was based on powerful halon techniques and lapel grips.
What challenges does Dayanara Curbelo identify in her career as a judoka?
Curbelo acknowledges that she needs to refine her shoulder and hip techniques, as well as gain strength. Despite her recent success, the young judoka retains her humility and the desire to constantly improve.
What is the current situation of Cuban judo in the international arena?
Cuban judo is facing a challenging moment due to economic difficulties and lack of resources, which has affected its performance in international competitions. These conditions have led to a concerning trend of athletes defecting during competitions abroad.
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