The future stars of Karate in the Americas were crowned at the Youth Pan American Games which were held in Cali (Colombia).

The Karate competition of the inaugural edition of the Youth Pan American Games concluded with the United States topping the medal table after claiming five medals and four golds.

Trinity Allen of the United States became one of the big stars of the event as she claimed the crown in Female Kumite -55kg only a few weeks after winning the silver medal at the 2021 World Senior Championships in Dubai. The Karateka from Las Vegas dominated the competition and defeated Mexico’s Ericka Gabriela Luque in the final by “Hantei” or decision (0-0).  

The second crown for the North American powerhouse nation came in Male Kumite -60kg. Frank Ruiz of the USA beat Lucas Bruno Silva of Brazil in the final by 1-0.

In Male Kumite -75kg the title also travelled to the United States since Safin Kasturi prevailed over Victor Jesus Valdovinos of Mexico in the final 5-2.

The gold medal list for the United States was completed by Saisheren Senpon in Male Kumite -84kg. The representative of the USA beat Chile’s Benjamin Ignacio Nunez by 2-1.

Puerto Rico’s Janessa Michelle Fonseca confirmed her status as one of the most promising karatekas in the continent as she took the title in Female Kumite -61kg. The 2019 U21 continental champion and representative of the sport at the 2018 Youth Olympic Games beat Brazil’s Anna Laura Prezzoti in the final 4-0.

Brazilian representatives managed to avenge this defeat since Barbara Hellen Rodrigues defeated Puerto Rico’s Destiny Sariah Vergara in Female Kumite -68kg. The Brazilian karateka won the final bout by a convincing 4-0.

Meanwhile, in Female Kumite +68kg the title went to Gianella Alessandra Lozano of Peru who upset Laura Sophya Pescador of Colombia in the final by “Senshuu” or first unopposed point (1-1).

The list of gold medallists in Female Kumite was completed with Yamina Lahyanssa of Canada. The young Canadian athlete prevailed in Female Kumite -50kg after beating Mexico’s Irma Paola Delgado 4-1 in the final.

The gold medal count in Male Kumite categories was opened by Giovani Felipin Salgado of Brazil who defeated Pablo Andres Benavides of Mexico in the final of Male Kumite +84kg by a slim 2-1.

In Male Kumite -67kg the title went to Chile as Tomas Lisandro Freire prevailed over Carlos Jose Chacon of Guatemala by 5-4 in a tight final.

CLICK HERE to go to all the info on the Karate competition of the Youth Pan American Games.

(Pictures: calivalle2021.com)