Mexico Dominates Open Water Swimming as Venezuela's Paola Pérez Successfully Defends Her Crown

The 10-kilometer open water swimming events at the XXV Central American and Caribbean Games Santo Domingo 2026 awarded the discipline’s first medals on Saturday, with Mexico emerging as the most successful delegation by capturing five medals, while Venezuela and Costa Rica also delivered outstanding performances.

In the men’s race, Paulo Strehlke of Mexico claimed the Central American and Caribbean title after crossing the finish line in 2:02:34. Costa Rica’s Jeison Rojas earned the silver medal with a time of 2:05:03, while Mexico’s Diego Obelesecured the bronze in 2:05:07.

The women’s event belonged to Venezuela’s Paola Pérez, who captured the gold medal with a winning time of 2:18:25. Mexico’s Yuritzi Salgado took silver in 2:18:44, while her compatriot Dalia Moreno rounded out the podium with the bronze medal in 2:18:48.

With this victory, Pérez successfully defended the 10-kilometer title she won at San Salvador 2023 and claimed her third career gold medal at the Central American and Caribbean Games, after earning two gold medals, one silver and one bronze at the previous edition.

Mexico concluded Saturday’s competition with five medals in the 10-kilometer events—one gold, one silver and three bronze—reaffirming its strength in open water swimming at the start of the competition in Santo Domingo 2026.

Paola Pérez: “God Rewarded My Effort”

After winning the title, Venezuela’s Paola Pérez acknowledged that the road to gold was shaped by the challenges she faced throughout her preparation.

“We knew the three of us had already secured our spots. I arrived feeling exhausted because my preparation was heavily interrupted during the last month. My goal was, at the very least, to secure the bronze medal. Simply qualifying had already required a tremendous effort, especially because my son is still very young and demands much of my time.”

Pérez explained that experience proved decisive in making the right decisions during the race and expressed gratitude that her efforts were rewarded.

“It had happened to me before that a poor entry into the funnel cost me the race. This time I lifted my head, saw the group moving and reacted in time. The only thing I thought was, ‘My God, thank You for rewarding my effort.’ Experience eventually pays off.”

The champion also spoke about her Olympic aspirations and the support of her family.

“Los Angeles 2028 has always been on my mind, although now I’m approaching that goal with a little more calm. I have many responsibilities, and my son depends on me completely. Thank God I have the unconditional support of my husband, Hugo, who is my right-hand man. This result is also for him, for León and for my entire family.”

Open water swimming competition will continue on Sunday, July 26, with the 3K Sprint Knock-Out events for both men and women, scheduled to begin at 9:00 a.m. at Sans Soucí, where the region’s top specialists will once again compete for medals at the XXV Central American and Caribbean Games Santo Domingo 2026.