Venezuelan Weightlifting Team Chasing Bolivarian Gold
Since October 15, the Venezuelan weightlifting delegation has been in Manizales, Colombia, adapting to low temperatures and high altitude—conditions similar to those in Lima, Peru—with the goal of increasing red blood cell oxidation.
Although weightlifting is an anaerobic sport, and altitude has a smaller direct impact compared to aerobic disciplines, high-altitude training still offers benefits. Physiologically, altitude exposure can trigger adaptations that, although modest for an anaerobic event, help improve oxygen transport efficiency and recovery capacity.
Henry Velásquez, Technical Director of the Venezuelan Weightlifting Federation, highlighted the team’s progress:
“The athletes are doing well, thank God. They’ve experienced some overload, but that’s normal—part of the training and routine. We are already planning possible adjustments and strategies. We have 13 days left until competition: some athletes have 10 days remaining and others 13. Our initial projection was seven medals, while the Ministry (of Sport) has set a goal of nine. We’re working hard; unfortunately, the minimum preparation required was 45 days, and we arrived with almost 30. Sometimes it’s difficult because the first week is just adaptation. However, the athletes have responded extremely well—very motivated, with a strong desire to represent the country and achieve an optimal result for Venezuela. As you know, we are always competitive, and we’re aiming to be the best. That is our goal, and we hope everything goes excellently,” he emphasized.
Athlete Delegation (16 total)
Women
• Patricia Mercado – 48 kg
• Katherine Echandia – 53 kg
• Anyelin Venegas – 58 kg
• Génesis Rodríguez – 63 kg
• Claudia Rengifo – 69 kg
• Keily Silva – 77 kg
• Dayana Chirinos – 86 kg
• Naryuri Pérez – +86 kg
Men
• Jefferson Gómez – 60 kg
• Willkeinner Lugo – 65 kg
• Reinner Arango – 71 kg
• Julio Mayora – 79 kg
• Ángel Rodríguez – 88 kg
• Keydomar Vallenilla – 94 kg
• Mauricio Loaiza – 110 kg
• Luis Espinoza – +110 kg
Points of Interest
This delegation blends the experience of established athletes with the drive of very young competitors. The most notable aspect is the strong sense of unity and positive energy present across the entire group.
The team’s oldest athlete is Dayana Chirinos, who contributes with her 34 years of experience, while 17-year-old Claudia Rengifo represents youthful energy. This mix of ages and talents creates a unique dynamic marked by mutual respect and a shared determination to reach their goals.
The delegation includes three Olympic medallists (Echandia – Buenos Aires 2018 Youth Olympic Games; Julio Mayora and Keydomar Vallenilla – silver medallists at Tokyo 2020), Olympic diploma recipients (Anyelin Venegas – Paris 2024; Naryuri Pérez – Tokyo 2020), and most team members have extensive experience in Olympic-cycle events.
About the Venezuelan Olympic Committee
Founded on December 23, 1935, the Venezuelan Olympic Committee (COV) is composed of national federations from both Olympic and non-Olympic sports. Its primary mission is to promote Olympism in Venezuela, following the principles of the Olympic Charter.
The COV is currently presided over by María Soto, the first woman elected to lead the organization’s executive board. The Committee is a member of the Bolivarian Sports Organization (ODEBO), the South American Sports Organization (ODESUR), Centro Caribe Sports, Panam Sports, the Association of National Olympic Committees (ANOC), and the International Olympic Committee (IOC).
Communications Office – Venezuelan Olympic Committee