Record-breaking performances and unforgettable moments mark Day 5 of the 4th CISM World Cadet Games
CARACAS (VEN) - The fifth day of competition at the 4th CISM World Cadet Games delivered an exhilarating mix of record-breaking feats, intense rivalries, and moments of pride for athletes and their nations. As the final day of athletics unfolded at the Brigido Iriarte National Stadium, competitors from around the world gave their all, leaving an indelible mark on this prestigious event.
The highlight of the day came in the women’s 4x400m relay, where the Venezuelan team captivated the audience with an extraordinary performance that not only secured them the gold medal but also set a new World Cadet Games record. The team, composed of Adriana Camacho Rodríguez, a second-year cadet from the Bolivarian Navy Military Academy, and first-year cadets Daniela Brito Guerra, Katiuska Moreno de la Rosa, and Valery Montenegro Sotolongo from the Bolivarian Army Military Academy, clocked an impressive 4:00.64. This time shattered the previous record of 4:03.74, a testament to their speed, coordination, and determination. Hot on their heels, the Russian team finished in second place with a time of 4:03.15, while China claimed the bronze with 4:26.49.
In the women’s 1500 meters, the competition was equally fierce. Russian cadet Aleksandra Kuznetsova emerged victorious, crossing the finish line in 5:07.74 to claim the gold medal. The Venezuelan delegation continued its impressive streak, with Yhuslyn Cisneros Ayala finishing in 5:12.63 to secure the silver, and her compatriot Katiuska Moreno de la Rosa taking the bronze with a time of 5:15.29. The event showcased the endurance and tactical skill of the athletes, as they battled not only each other but also the challenging conditions on the track.
The men’s 1500m flat event saw an impressive display of speed and strategy. Venezuelan cadet Héctor Gómez Eliett delivered a standout performance, capturing the gold medal with a time of 4:01.49. Close behind was Russia’s Ivan Kraevoi, who took silver with a time of 4:02.28, followed by Iran’s Mehr Saadat, who completed the race in 4:03.71 to earn the bronze.
In the women’s long jump, athletes demonstrated their power and precision in a highly competitive event. Sri Lanka’s Chathurangi Iwaduwa claimed the gold medal with a leap of 5.24 meters, displaying exceptional technique and focus. Russian cadet Valeriia Tonkikh followed closely with a jump of 5.17 meters to secure the silver, while Venezuela’s Daniela Álvarez González earned the bronze with a distance of 5.01 meters.
The sprint events added to the day’s excitement, with Venezuela once again asserting its prowess. In the women’s 200m sprint, Osdalys Heredia Veliz raced to victory, claiming the gold medal in a commanding performance. Her compatriot, Valery Montenegro Sotolongo, continued Venezuela’s dominance by taking the silver. The Russian cadet Anna Kontsedailo rounded out the podium, earning the bronze medal in a closely contested race.
The men’s 200m sprint was another highlight, with Venezuelan cadet Reymi Bastidas Perdomo leading the field to win the gold medal in a time of 21.69 seconds. The race was incredibly tight, with Pakistan’s Abdul Moeed finishing just behind in 21.72 seconds to take the silver, and Russia’s Valerii Kuzmin earning the bronze with a time of 21.73 seconds. The close finish kept spectators on the edge of their seats, and Bastidas’ victory added to Venezuela’s impressive medal haul in athletics.
In the men’s 4x400m relay, the competition was intense, with teams from China, Iran, Russia, and Venezuela battling for the top honors. The Russian team emerged victorious, securing the gold medal with a well-coordinated and powerful performance. Venezuela took the silver medal, demonstrating their strength in team events, while China claimed the bronze. This event was a fitting conclusion to the athletics’ competition during which 7 new records were established.
Outside of the track, the Military Pentathlon continued to captivate audiences with its unique blend of physical and tactical challenges. On this day, the cross-country subdiscipline took center stage, testing the endurance and strategy of the competitors. In the women’s category, athletes from Russia, China, and Venezuela tackled a demanding 4-kilometer course. The race, which began and ended at the Military Academy of the Bolivarian Army of Venezuela, required not only physical endurance but also precise pacing and tactical execution. Venezuelan athletes shone brightly, adding crucial points to their overall scores and positioning themselves strongly for the final subdiscipline.
The men’s cross-country event was equally grueling, with 20 athletes from Russia, Türkiye, China, and Venezuela competing over an 8-kilometer course. The race was a true test of stamina and mental toughness, with the Venezuelan team, in particular, standing out for their excellent physical conditioning and discipline. Cadet Virgilio Suarez Henriquez, who had previously excelled in the grenade throwing event, reflected on the race, noting the challenges of the course and the camaraderie that developed among competitors. With two gold medals and one silver already secured in the pentathlon, Venezuela’s athletes are poised for a strong finish in the final relay event.
In the swimming pool, Venezuela solidified its position as a formidable competitor, ranking second overall after four days of intense competition.
In the men’s 50-meter breaststroke, Russia claimed the top two positions, while the Venezuelan swimmers took first place in the women’s 50-meter breaststroke.
Russia continued to display its swimming prowess in the 100-meter backstroke, securing first place in both the men’s and women’s categories. In the women’s 100-meter backstroke, Russia took the top spot, with Venezuelan athletes finishing in second and third. On the men’s side, Russia again dominated by taking the top two positions, while Venezuela secured third place.
China demonstrated its strength in the women’s 400-meter backstroke, capturing first place, while Russia secured the top two positions in the men’s 400-meter backstroke.
In the 4x100m freestyle relays, Russia claimed victory in both the men’s and women’s events. Venezuela followed in second place, with China finishing third in both categories.
In the shooting events, China continued to dominate, particularly in the female and mixed categories. Chinese shooter Dong Jingjie secured victory in the individual female pistol category with 276 points, while her compatriots swept the top three spots in the individual female rifle category. The mixed team competitions also saw China emerge victorious, underscoring their proficiency and focus in this precision sport. Russia remained a close contender, adding to their impressive medal tally with strong performances in both pistol and rifle events. China also won the men’s 300m Individual Rapid-Fire Rifle event and the 25m Individual Rapid-Fire Pistol event.
Volleyball brought further excitement as the Venezuelan women’s team triumphed in the final, securing the gold medal after a hard-fought match against Russia. The atmosphere in the gymnasium of the Military Academy of the Bolivarian Army was electric, with fans cheering on the home team as they clinched victory with a score of 25-16 in the decisive third set. This victory was a source of immense pride for Venezuela, as competitor Carlybeth Gunrry Quintana expressed gratitude for the support of the local fans and praised the team’s hard work. In the men’s volleyball final, Russia edged out Venezuela in a closely contested match, leaving the Venezuelan team with a well-deserved silver medal.
As the IV World Cadet Games continue, the sense of camaraderie, sportsmanship, and mutual respect among the participating nations remains strong. These games, which bring together the world’s future military leaders, have not only been a platform for athletic excellence but also for fostering international friendship and understanding. The final day of events promise to deliver more unforgettable moments as athletes give their all in pursuit of victory and personal bests.
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(Source: CISM Media & Communication Department)
