Ecuador already has its leaders for Panama 2026. Swimmer Emma Sabando and fencer Tomás Aguinaga have been designated as the flag bearers of the national delegation that will compete in the IV South American Youth Games, a generation aiming to perform AT ANOTHER LEVEL.
The Ecuadorian delegation will be made up of 99 athletes who will represent the country in this continental event, forming a young yet highly competitive group. The selection of Sabando and Aguinaga as flag bearers reflects their outstanding international performances, positioning them as key figures of this new generation.
Tomás Aguinaga, a foil specialist, arrives as one of the standout athletes after being crowned cadet World Cup champion in Costa Rica and winning a bronze medal in Tunisia. In addition, he is the U17 South American champion and currently ranks second in the world in his category.
Meanwhile, Emma Sabando has demonstrated an exceptional level even in higher categories. The swimmer has won two gold medals at the Pan American Championships in Colombia, two bronze medals at the Lima 2025 Bolivarian Games, and a South American bronze in Brazil. At the most recent World Championships, she was the third-best South American and the top junior athlete in the region competing in a senior-level event.
The designation of the flag bearers was made by the COE’s Technical Methodological Department, taking into account the performance of all members of the delegation. Additionally, athletes such as Patry Valdez and Jaykel Bucaram on the men’s side, and Manuela Ortega and Jeraldine Pata on the women’s side, also stood out during the selection process.
Although due to competition schedules they may not be present at the ceremonies, the honor of carrying Ecuador’s flag already has names: Emma Sabando and Tomás Aguinaga. They lead a delegation arriving with high expectations, ready to make its mark in Panama 2026 and prove that Ecuador is prepared to compete AT ANOTHER LEVEL.
