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Julio Mayora lifts gold for Venezuela while aiding earthquake recovery

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 9, 2026, 1:19 AM

Last updated Aug 9, 2026

Julio Mayora lifts gold for Venezuela while aiding earthquake recovery

Summary

Julio Mayora won two gold medals in weightlifting at the 2026 Central American and Caribbean Games in Santo Domingo. Just weeks before, he used his strength to help rescue victims of the devastating earthquakes in his home state of La Guaira, which killed over 6,000 people. Mayora dedicated his victories to the earthquake victims, alongside fellow medalist Keydomar Vallenilla, who also aims to inspire hope amid the tragedy. Both athletes are now focusing on the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles.

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By the Numbers

•Julio Mayora lifted 151 kilograms to win at the Central American and Caribbean Games.
•He dedicated his medals to victims of the June 24 earthquakes in Venezuela.
•The earthquakes caused significant loss of life and damage in La Guaira and Caracas.
•Keydomar Vallenilla also won a gold medal, sharing similar motivations.
•Both athletes are preparing for the upcoming 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles.

Latest Updates

1:19 AMYahoo Sports — Olympic weightlifter hoists debris for Venezuela earthquake recovery

What they're saying

"
Venezuelan Olympic weightlifting silver medalist Julio Mayora hoisted 151 kilograms (330 pounds) to win two gold medals this weekend at the 2026 Central American and Caribbean Games in Santo Domingo.- 'Lost everything' - Like his compatriot, Vallenilla also claimed a gold medal in the Central American and Caribbean Games, motivated by a goal of "setting an example" for thousands of Venezuelans to keep moving forward despite the tragedy.
— Yahoo Sports

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