The Mark of Rosa Elena: Courage, Speed, and Heart in Triathlon
Some stories are born from doubt—from the fear of taking that first step. That is how the story of Rosa Elena Martínez began, a young woman from Cumaná who never imagined that triathlon would become her home, her engine, and her destiny.
At 21, she dared to try. “I used to say no… that triathlon was too difficult. But they convinced me, and here I am.”
Today, a decade later, her name not only appears on result sheets—it is written in the history of Venezuelan triathlon.
Viña del Mar 2025 changed her life. Cold water, strong winds, and an intimidating course. But Rosa gave everything. Only five months had passed since her appendicitis surgery—a period marked by physical pain, doubts, and the fear of not knowing whether she would ever return to her best form.
Rosa dominated the swim with the fastest time of the entire day (9:26).
In the bike segment—a tough, strategic stage—she stayed firmly in the lead group, not surrendering a single meter and displaying impeccable tactical maturity (28:57). Finally, in the last 5 kilometers, with a brave 17:14 run, she secured the historic podium that today makes her a source of pride for Venezuela and for triathlon across the continent. Luxembourg’s Jeanne Lehair claimed the gold, and Spain’s Sara Guerrero took the silver.
Minutes later, between nervous laughter and overwhelming tears, she said: “WOW… I couldn’t believe it. When I’m alone and I look at the medal, it makes me want to cry. I don’t know how I did it… but I did it.”
Rosa describes herself as extroverted, wild, humble, and with a huge heart. Anyone who listens to her understands that her greatness lies not only in her athletic performance, but in the way she brings light to those around her.
She works tirelessly, with clear goals and a deep understanding of her purpose. She has learned to turn difficult moments into fuel and to honor what life gives her—even when it hurts.
“No matter how many tough moments we go through, life always has something good for us,” she adds.
Dreams That Keep Growing
Her accomplishments include bronze at the 2025 Viña del Mar World Cup, silver in Iquique, bronze in Santiago, silver at the Americas Triathlon Championship, bronze in Havana, and a strong finish to 2024 with two historic gold medals in Santa Marta and at the Americas Championship in La Guaira.
Now, with her historic bronze still shining in her hands, Rosa Elena has her sights set on the 2026 Central American and Caribbean Games in Santo Domingo, an event she dreams of and sees as a new launch point. “I always visualize my races,” she says confidently.
But before that, her next challenge awaits: the Bolivarian Games Ayacucho–Lima 2025, where triathlon will take place from December 3 to 5 at Agua Dulce Beach in Chorrillos—a perfect setting to continue elevating Venezuela’s name.
