At 16, Venezuelan judoka Gimenez made history by winning gold in the -44kg category at the Youth Olympics. This victory is notable as it is Venezuela’s first gold medal in the Youth Olympic Games, with previous achievements being two silvers and three bronzes. Gimenez’s journey, marked by dedication and training, culminated in a well-deserved triumph that she dedicates to her family and country.
At just 16 years of age, Venezuelan athlete Gimenez achieved a remarkable victory by securing a gold medal in the -44kg category at the Youth Olympics. This landmark achievement marks Venezuela’s first gold medal at the Youth Olympic Games, with the nation previously earning two silver and three bronze medals at the 2010 Singapore Games and no medals during the 2014 Nanjing Games.
Gimenez expressed her immense pride in representing her country, stating, “I feel very proud of having honoured my country and getting the gold medal.” She had previously secured gold at the South American Youth Games in Santiago and claimed the title of Pan American cadet champion earlier this year. Reflecting on her journey, she mentioned, “I never imagined that I would achieve something this big. I’ve been training from a very young age and this is a dream come true.”
The judoka from Puerto Ordaz advanced directly to the quarterfinals after receiving a bye in the first round. She triumphed over Argentina’s Mikaela Rojas with an ippon victory, defeated Ukrainian Anastasiia Balaban in the semifinals with a waza-ari, and claimed the gold medal by surpassing India’s Tababi Devi Thangjam with an impressive ippon score of 11-0.
Looking forward to celebrating with her family and teammates, Gimenez remarked, “I’m already looking forward to getting home so I can hug my parents and teammates.” She concluded with a heartfelt sentiment about her victory, stating, “I won this medal with tears, effort and passion.”
The achievement of a gold medal by Gimenez at the Youth Olympics underscores a significant milestone for Venezuelan sports, highlighting the potential and promise of young athletes in the nation. Prior to this event, Venezuela faced challenges in securing victory at the Youth Olympic Games, making this win particularly special. Gimenez’s success not only represents personal triumph but also inspires future generations of athletes in Venezuela.
In conclusion, Gimenez’s historic gold medal victory at the Youth Olympics signifies a breakthrough for Venezuelan sport, showcasing her talent, dedication, and hard work. The athlete’s emotional reflections emphasize the importance of family, training, and national pride, inspiring future athletes and fostering a sense of accomplishment within her country.
Original Source: www.olympics.com
