Ana Rosa Wins Dominican Republic’s First Judo Gold at Santo Domingo 2026 LEAD

Ana Rosa delivered a landmark performance for the Dominican Republic by winning the women’s under-57 kilogram title at the Santo Domingo 2026 Central American and Caribbean Games, earning the country’s first gold medal in the judo competition.

The victory marked a significant step forward for Rosa, who previously claimed a bronze medal at the San Salvador 2023 edition of the regional games. Her latest success headlined a productive day for the Dominican team, which also celebrated medals from Estefanía Soriano, Diego García Ramírez, and Samantha Josefa.

A Confident Run to the Title

Competing in the women’s under-57 kilogram division, Rosa advanced through the quarterfinals after Costa Rica’s Jimena Arce did not compete, resulting in a win by default (DNS). She then secured her place in the final by defeating Venezuela’s Audreys Pacheco with a yuko score at the four-minute mark of their semifinal contest.

Dominican Team Adds Three More Medals

The Dominican delegation strengthened its medal tally with additional podium finishes across several weight classes. Veteran judoka Estefanía Soriano earned the silver medal in the women’s under-48 kilogram category after falling 1-0 to Panama’s Nemesis Candelo in a closely contested final.

Meanwhile, Diego García Ramírez captured bronze in the men’s under-60 kilogram division, while Samantha Josefa also secured a bronze medal in the women’s under-52 kilogram category.

The results gave the Dominican Republic an encouraging start in the judo tournament, highlighted by Ana Rosa’s breakthrough gold medal and a total of four podium finishes on the opening day of competition.