The table tennis athlete Catalina Ramírez Escudero and the judoka Joaquín Alejandro Díaz García will be Chile’s flag bearers at the IV South American Youth Games Panama 2026.
Stories are built with dedication, sacrifice, and effort. With a phone call after finishing her training, Catalina Ramírez received the news that she would be Chile’s flag bearer for the South American Youth Games Panama 2026. Surprised and very happy, she shared the news with her parents, remembering all the effort they have made to get to this point.
Catalina has won eight medals at the South American Games (2 gold, 3 silver, and 3 bronze), three bronze medals at the Pan American Games, and will represent Chile at the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games.
God’s timing is perfect, and just before starting his training, Joaquín Díaz received the news that he would be Chile’s flag bearer. Excited and proud to have the honor of carrying the Chilean flag, he comes at another level to represent his country and reach the South American podium.
Among his achievements during this journey, Joaquín Díaz has earned a silver medal at the first National Judo Championship 2026, was the National U-18 Judo Champion in 2025, and champion in the 64 kg category at the 2024 School Sports Games.
With the dream of climbing the medal table, raising Chile’s profile internationally, and beginning to write history in Chilean sports, the delegation arrives on Panamanian soil with a total of 155 athletes, 53 team officials, and 7 mission officials.
