A day of excellence: key victories and record-breaking moments at the 4th CISM World Cadet Games
CARACAS (VEN) - Day four of the 4th CISM World Cadet Games in Caracas was a triumphant day for Venezuela as the host nation's young athletes delivered stellar performances across various disciplines, accumulating an impressive array of medals, particularly in fencing, swimming, and athletics.
In the fencing competitions, Venezuelan fencers took the spotlight, capturing multiple gold medals and demonstrating their dominance in both individual and team events. The women’s fencing team, composed of Andrade Evelis, Fermín Karla, and Valladares Sofia, secured the gold medal in both the épée and foil team competitions. Their victory in the épée event was particularly notable as they overcame a strong Russian team in a thrilling final, showcasing their strategic prowess and ability to capitalize on their strengths. The same team then repeated their success in the foil event, again defeating Russia, further establishing Venezuela’s reputation in international fencing.
The men’s fencing team also contributed to Venezuela’s medal tally by winning gold in the team sabre competition. Brizuela Julio, González Wilmer, and Romero Moisés worked together seamlessly, executing precise and aggressive attacks that led them to victory. This win underscored the strength and cohesion of Venezuela’s fencing teams on the global stage.
In the individual fencing events, Valladares Sofia triumphed in the women’s épée, narrowly defeating her teammate Ensign Fermín Karla with a score of 9-8 in a tense and dramatic final. In the men’s foil, Venezuelans Gudiño Leomar and Simón Colina faced off in a close contest, with Colina emerging victorious with a 15-13 scoreline. The women’s foil event saw Briceño Aixmar dominate her final match, winning 15-3 against her compatriot Osuna Mariolis, displaying superior technique and focus. In the women’s sabre final, Gonzales Leokeidys secured a hard-fought 15-13 victory over Stefany Fernández, adding another gold to Venezuela’s impressive collection.
At the Professor Roberto Flores Swimming Pool Complex, part of the Military Academy of the Bolivarian Army of Venezuela, the third day of swimming competitions unfolded at the IV World Cadet Games Venezuela 2024, with delegations from China, Russia, Sri Lanka, Nicaragua, and Venezuela.
In the women's 200-meter medley, Russia claimed first place, with Venezuela securing second. The men’s event saw Russia take the top spot again, followed by China and Venezuela. In the women's 50-meter freestyle, China outpaced Venezuela, while Russia swept the men's event, taking all three top spots.
China and Venezuela dominated the women's 200-meter butterfly, finishing first and second, respectively, while Russia led the men’s race, with Venezuela and China following. In the women's 200-meter freestyle, Russia triumphed over China and Venezuela, and repeated this success in the men's category, taking the top two spots. The 4x100 medley concluded with Russia in first place, Venezuela in second, and China in third.
In the grenade throwing event of the military pentathlon competition, athletes compete in two categories: precision and power. Women aimed at targets placed at 15, 20, 25, and 30 meters, while men faced distances of 20, 25, 30, and 35 meters, each making four precision and three power throws. The women's competition was intense, with standout performances from Russia, Venezuela, and China. Venezuela secured a strong position, nearly tying with China's top throw of 53.5 meters.
In the men's category, Türkiye led with a throw of 61.35 meters, followed by China at 58.10 meters and Venezuela close behind at 58 meters, while Russia maintained competitive marks with 54.45 meters.
On the third day of Athletics at the IV World Cadet Games, Russia set a new long jump record, Iran secured gold in the men's 800 meters, and Venezuela earned three medals.
Under the Caracas sun, delegations from Türkiye, China, Sri Lanka, Nicaragua, Iran, Pakistan, Russia, and Venezuela showcased their athletic prowess.
The day began with the men's 10,000-meter race, where Iranian cadet Amir Hossein Safari broke the games' record with a time of 31:58.12 minutes. Pakistan's Muhammad Akhart took second, and Russia's Denis Kaiser finished third.
In the long jump, Russian cadet Iurii Ozhgibesov set a new record with a jump of 8.07 meters. His compatriot, Eduard Akberdin, secured second place with 6.84 meters, while Venezuela's Richard Marchan claimed third with 6.68 meters.
The women's 800-meter race saw Russia's Sofiia Bukina win gold with a time of 2:16.40 minutes. Venezuelans Katiuska Moreno de la Rosa and Daniela Brito Guerra finished second and third, respectively. In the men's 800 meters, Iranian cadet Mehr Saadat earned gold, Russia's Madim Burakov took silver, and Venezuela's Héctor Gómez Eliett won bronze.
The Chinese female delegation asserted its dominance in shooting at the IV World Cadet Games, winning gold in both the 300-meter rapid rifle and 25-meter rapid pistol events. In the 300-meter rapid rifle team competition, China's shooters scored 603 points, far ahead of Russia, which secured silver with 472 points. Venezuela earned bronze with 369 points.
Similarly, China triumphed in the 25-meter rapid pistol team event with 781 points, while Russia and Venezuela followed with 734 and 726 points, respectively. In the men’s 25-meter rapid-fire pistol, China claimed first place with 809 points, followed by Pakistan with 744 points. Russia topped the men's 300-meter rapid-fire rifle with 550 points, with China close behind at 534 points.
These victories further solidify China’s status as a global powerhouse in sport shooting, with their athletes displaying exceptional precision, focus, and teamwork.
In volleyball, the Venezuelan women’s team advanced to the finals, where they will face the Russian team in what promises to be an exciting matchup. The Venezuelan men’s team also celebrated a hard-fought victory against China, securing their place in the finals and adding to the host nation’s achievements.
Colonel Luis Miguel Velásquez, coach of the Venezuelan Military Pentathlon team, expressed his pride in the athletes’ dedication and resilience, praising their skill and determination. Major General José Antonio Murga Baptista, Commander General of the Bolivarian Army, also expressed pride in the athletes' accomplishments, highlighting the success as a reflection of their hard work and the strength of Venezuela’s sports programs.
The fourth day of the IV CISM World Cadet Games Caracas 2024 has been a celebration of our cadet’s athleticism and determination. They have all proven themselves on the international stage, bringing honor to their countries and inspiring future generations.
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(Source: CISM Media & Communication Department)
