All photos courtesy of Carolina Madrid / PJC.
-73 kg: Daniel Cargnin (BRA) Reclaims the Throne in a Rematch Final
The draw in the -73 kg category led to a thrilling repeat of the Santiago 2025 Panamerican final line-up. In that encounter, Jack Yonezuka (USA) emerged victorious, but the story changed on the Panamanian tatami. Olympic medallist Daniel Cargnin (BRA) delivered a masterclass in tactical judo to defeat Yonezuka (USA) and secure the gold medal. The bronze medals were claimed by Justin Lemire (CAN) and Guilherme De Oliveira (BRA), completing a podium that reflected the highest level of continental competition.
-63 kg: Jessica Klimkait (CAN) Prevails in a Battle of Legends
In the -63 kg category, the anticipated final between two of the world’s best materialised as world champion and Olympic medallist Jessica Klimkait (CAN) faced Olympic and double world champion Rafaela Silva (BRA) for gold. Klimkait maintained her composure and momentum to take the gold, attacking with speed and precision throughout. The bronze medal contests saw Olympic and double world medallist Catherine Beauchemin-Pinard (CAN) and Anriquelis Barrios (VEN) reach the podium.
-70 kg Nuana Silva Consolidates her Continental Legacy
In the -70 kg category, Nauana Silva (BRA) reaffirmed her status as a continental powerhouse by defeating Esmeralda Damiano Guerrero (DOM) in the final. Silva’s victory was particularly impressive as she was the -63 kg champion in Santiago in 2025; evidence of a successful transition to the higher weight category. Bronze medals were presented to Charlie Thibault of Canada and Brazil’s Luana Carvalho.
-78 kg: Olaya Brings the Columbian Anthem to Panama
In the -78 kg category, Brenda Olaya (COL) defended her title from Santiago 2025 successfully, defeating Sairy Colon (PUR) in the final. The 21-year old was junior world champion in 2024 but has graduated beautifully to the senior ranks, not only with this second senior continental title but also with a grand slam silver medal in Tbilisi last year. The bronze medals in this category went to Beatriz Freitas (BRA) and Coralie Godbout (CAN).
+78 kg: Karen Leon (VEN) Shocks the Field, the Bahamas Make History
The heavyweight category produced the biggest upset of the tournament when Karen Leon (VEN) defeated the reigning Olympic champion, Beatriz Souza (BRA), in the quarter-finals. Leon continued her dominant run to win the final against Moira Morillo (DOM).
Meanwhile, Karra Hanna (BAH) made history by becoming the first woman from the Bahamas to win a medal at a senior Panamerican championship. Her best result prior to the meeting in Panama was a Pan-American open bronze medal, won in Montreal in 2025. In Panama she secured a bronze medal while the other went to Cuba’s Dayanara Curbelo Travieso when Souza did not arrive for the bronze medal contest.
-60 kg: Cuban Dominance among the Lightweights
Cuba asserted its strength in the lightest weight category, claiming gold on this first day of competition via a powerful perfromance from Jonathan Charon (CUB). He secured his forst World Judo Tour medal last year in Georgia and so winning his first senior continental gold in Panama is further confirmation of his progression. In the final he defeated junior world number one Jonathan Yang (USA). Jairo Moreno (ESA) and Diego Garcia Ramirez (DOM) took the bronzes medals.
-66 kg: Polanco Consolidates Cuban Lightweight Success
In the -66 kg category, Orlando Polanco (CUB) emerged as the new champion after a final against 20-year-old Jhonathan Benavides (ECU), already a grand prix medallist. The podium was rounded out by Joaquin Tovagliari (ARG) who beat Olympic silver medallist Willian Lima for the bronze, and Ari Berliner (USA).
The action will continue on day 2, featuring the men's -81 kg, -90 kg, -100 kg and +100 kg categories, alongside the women's -48 kg, -52 kg and -57 kg categories. Follow all the action live on JudoTV.com.