The talent pipeline in South America continues to grow. This time, we head to Barranquilla, Colombia, the birthplace of Valentina Barrios, a javelin throw athlete and currently ranked #17 in the women’s javelin world rankings.
The 22-year-old from Barranquilla has written new chapters in the history of javelin in Colombia. Among her achievements are a silver medal at the 2022 South American U-23 Championships, where she recorded a throw of 57.31 meters in Cascavel, Brazil; a silver medal at the 2022 World U-20 Athletics Championships in Cali, with a mark of 57.84 meters; and a gold medal at the Asunción 2025 Junior Pan American Games, where she achieved a throw of 60.16 meters and secured qualification for Lima 2027.
Meanwhile, on the men’s side, from Buenaventura in Valle del Cauca, José González stands out as one of Colombia’s weightlifters who, through effort, dedication, commitment, and consistency, has made his mark in the sport, earning multiple medals for his country.
José is the Junior Pan American champion at Asunción 2025 in the 65 kg category, Junior World Champion in weightlifting in Peru 2025 in the 61 kg category, and bronze medalist in the 61 kg category at the 2024 World Youth Championships in León, among other achievements in this discipline. González, along with his team of coaches, has been preparing to proudly represent Colombia at the South American Youth Games Panama 2026, which are on another level.
Tickets to enjoy this major sporting event at the South American Youth Games Panama 2026 are completely free. You just need to visit panaticket.com and secure your ticket.
