Cuba pulls out its fifth gold in Santo Domingo
Cuba rowed with an iron will and captured the gold medal in the men’s double sculls at the XXV Central American and Caribbean Games in Santo Domingo 2026. After a dominant performance in the final.
At the Presa del Rincón Rowing and Canoeing Center, Leduar Suárez and Reidy Cardona asserted their dominance from the start. And never relinquished it, posting a time of 6:32:80 minutes that sealed a flawless race.
The Cuban duo turned every stroke into a decisive victory. Leaving Mexico—with Alexis López and Andrés Simsch (6:37:39)—in the silver. And Venezuela—José Guipe and César Amaris (6:39:62)—anchored in the bronze.
With this victory, the island added its fifth gold medal in the competition—which runs until August 8th. Reaffirming its second-place position in the regional medal count. Thanks to the steady rhythm of its boats and the composure of its rowers.
Earlier in the day, Mexicans Melissa Márquez and Aylin Ibarra had already paved the way to victory. Stopping the clock at 7:19:85 minutes with an unrelenting pace that led them to a commanding win in the women’s double sculls.
The Mexicans, who had tasted gold the previous day in the lightweight double sculls. Also did not yield to the Cuban onslaught, who on that occasion took the silver.
Other disciplines featuring Cuban athletes include chess, rhythmic gymnastics, racquetball, taekwondo, tennis, and figure skating. Among the team sports, the women’s softball and hockey teams stand out. As does the beach volleyball duo of Maikelín Driks and Kailin Garrido. The men’s indoor volleyball team, which was surprisingly defeated by Puerto Rico the previous day.
With information from Prensa Latina and CNA
