The Central American and Caribbean Games is a multi-sport event held in the Americas once every four years, running since 1926. Annually it attracts the biggest sporting stars from the region and this year it is being staged in El Salvador from 23rd June to 8th July.

Judo has been an extremely popular fixture, held in the first days of the two week festival and Cuba were the runaway winners, shown as we glance at the medal table. They also took the mixed team gold on the final day.

World champion Andy Granda and Olympic and double world champion Idalys Ortiz each won for Cuba while Jamaica won their first ever medal at the event with Ashley McKenzie winning silver in the -60kg category. He said, "I am feeling good knowing that this is my first global medal for Jamaica.” McKenzie also said that he is hoping that his medal-winning performance will help to attract more people to judo locally.

Team Jamaica at the CAC Games. Photo courtesy of the Jamaican Judo Association

Prisca Awiti-Alcaraz also ticked off a big win and secured Mexico’s first ever gold at the CAC Games, beating Maylin del Toro (CUB) on the final. This follows her outstanding 5th place at this year’s world championships.

Prisca Awiti-Alcaraz (MEX), -63kg champion. Photo courtesy of CODE Guanajuato

The judo event has now closed but the Games continue, while the judo world now starts gearing up for the World Judo Masters in Budapest at the beginning of August.

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