The record-breaking number of competitors, with 222 athletes in the U13 category and 250 in U15’s, brought about one of the most exciting and fiercely contested competitions in the history of the championships. Athletes from Bolivia, Brazil, Canada, Costa Rica, Chile, the United States of America, the Dominican Republic, Mexico, Paraguay, Puerto Rico, Uruguay, Cuba and Ecuador gave their all in search for great performances.
Daniel Rodríguez, coach of the USA Judo team, expressed his happiness with the results achieved. "They have trained very hard, looking forward to this event at the end of the year.” His team won the U13 mixed team tournament and the athletes' preparation was evident in every match, with the level of competition reaching an impressive standard.
This event was not just a judo competition; it was also a showcase of the future stars of the sport. In the U13 category, Brazil emerged as the top nation, claiming 7 gold medals, followed by Cuba with 6 and the United States with 2. In the U15 category, Brazil reaffirmed its dominance with 9 gold medals, while Cuba and the United States shared second place with 2 gold medals each.
What stood out most about this event was the way judo, beyond the competition, brought all participants together. After the intense competition days, athletes, coaches and families shared a beach party, a moment of bonding that proved that sport is not only about winning, but also about enjoying and learning from one another.
The Panamerican Judo Confederation (PJC) continues to demonstrate its commitment to promoting the sport among the younger generations. Organising such events annually is an excellent way to encourage judo practice from an early age and ensure that the future of the sport is in good hands.
The event also marked the closing of the PJC's 2024 activity. The focus is now on 2025, where new championships and competitions are expected to continue proomoting judo in the Americas, with more young athletes motivated to represent their countries and share their passion for the sport.
The 2024 Panamerican Youth Judo Championships U13 and U15 Varadero is proof that when sport is practiced with passion and dedication, it can be an inexhaustible source of fun, learning and unity.