Marlies Mejías Secures Cuba's First Gold at Santo Domingo 2026 Central American Games

Marlies Mejías has etched her name in history by clinching Cuba's first gold medal at the XXV Central American and Caribbean Games. On a pivotal Saturday in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, she triumphed in the women's 30-kilometer individual time trial, clocking in at 40:15.79 minutes with an impressive average speed of 44.7 km/h.

According to Panam Sports' official statement, the cyclist from Artemisa delivered the top performance in the women's individual time trial, surpassing competitors from Mexico and Trinidad and Tobago to seize the title.

The silver medal was claimed by Roel from Mexico, finishing with a time of 40:33.53, while Campbell from Trinidad and Tobago took bronze, completing the race in 40:59.31.

This victory marks Mejías' ninth gold medal at the Central American and Caribbean Games, her first in the individual road time trial. As reported by Radio Rebelde, "the Artemisa native secures her ninth title in these regional games, her inaugural victory in this specific event."

Born on December 29, 1992, in Artemisa, Mejías is among Cuba's most decorated cyclists in the history of these regional competitions.

In Veracruz 2014, she amassed five golds across various events, including road race, individual pursuit, team pursuit, team sprint, and omnium. She continued her success in Barranquilla 2018, adding three more titles in scratch, individual pursuit, and team pursuit. Mejías also represented Cuba at the Olympic Games in London 2012 and Rio 2016.

The Cuban press had spotlighted Mejías as the top contender for securing the delegation's first gold in Santo Domingo. Radio Rebelde had confidently predicted that the cyclist "could deliver the delegation's first title" in this event, a prediction that she fulfilled with excellence.

Cuba enters these games with a robust delegation of 504 athletes competing in 42 sports, aspiring to finish among the top three in the medal standings and secure at least 67 gold medals. In the previous edition, held in San Salvador 2023, the island nation finished third with 74 golds, 59 silvers, and 63 bronzes.

Mejías' gold in cycling sets a promising tone for Cuba's delegation to achieve its ambitious goals at Santo Domingo 2026, where the flag bearers are boxer Leyanis Pérez and pugilist Julio César La Cruz.