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[SPORTS] · Venezuela, Cuba, Argentina, Dominican Republic · 4 sources

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Venezuelan judoka Jonhelius Patete wins bronze and pledges Olympic dream

Jonhelius Patete, a 22‑year‑old Venezuelan judoka, secured the bronze medal in the men’s under‑90 kg category at the XXV Central American and Caribbean Games in Santo Domingo, defeating Cuban opponent Naysdel Cardoso García. He dedicated the podium finish to the victims of the June 24 earthquakes that devastated Venezuela, which killed more than 5,500 people, injured over 16,000 and left nearly 18,000 homeless.

Patete was competing in Argentina when the quakes struck his homeland. He returned to Venezuela and continued training at the National Judo Center in Caracas, maintaining an eight‑hour‑daily routine of morning physical conditioning and afternoon judo sessions. The athlete said he never stopped training despite the disaster and highlighted his aim to qualify for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games.

The victory adds valuable ranking points toward Olympic qualification and underscores Patete’s commitment to representing Venezuela on the international stage while drawing attention to the humanitarian situation at home.

Entities

Central American and Caribbean Games · Central American and Caribbean Games · Jonhelius Patete · Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games · Los Angeles 2028 Olympics · National Judo Center · Naysdel Cardoso García · Santo Domingo · Venezuela · Venezuela earthquakes (June 24)

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