Guantánamo.- Anisleidis Ochoa, hailing from Guantanamo, secured the gold medal—the first for Cuban athletics at the Santo Domingo 2026 Central American Games—in the 5,000-meter race.
With this victory, she made history by capturing Cuba’s inaugural Central American title in this event.
The 25-year-old Cuban long-distance runner strategically managed her pace throughout the competition, staying close to the leading contenders: Venezuelan Edymar Brea, who earned silver, and Mexican Dafne Juárez, who took bronze.
Saving her strongest effort for the final stretch, Ochoa launched a decisive sprint in the last two laps, leaving her competitors unable to respond, and crossed the finish line with a time of 16:57.67.
This triumph marks Cuba’s second podium finish in the 5,000 meters, following Yadisleivis Castillo’s bronze medal performance at the 2014 Veracruz Games.
Already qualified for the 2027 Pan American Games in Lima, Ochoa aims to expand her medal collection by competing in the 3,000-meter and 1,500-meter events.
(Information provided by Prensa Latina)
