Born in the smallest country in South America, but with a big heart and emerging talent, we are talking about Suriname, homeland of Sean-Verno Dipokromo and Elya Qiana Powdar, swimming athletes who will be the flag bearers at the opening ceremony of the IV South American Youth Games Panama 2026.
The 15-year-old swimmer, Elya Qiana Powdar, has participated in the Dutch National Student Championships (NSCK) in 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, and 2025, achieving high scores, and her dream in this discipline is to become an Olympic athlete.
Among her achievements in her age categories are:
- 2019: Best swimmer of the club in the 7–8 age category
- 2022: Best swimmer of the club in the 11–12 age category
- 2022: Most promising swimmer of the club
- 2023: Best swimmer of the club in the 11–12 age category
- 2017: Best swimmer of the club in the 6-and-under age category
Meanwhile, Sean-Verno Dipokromo has participated in international competitions representing his country, including: the Goodwill Games 2023 and 2024, the CONSADA Games 2025 — Confederation of South American and Caribbean Swimming Associations, the Islamic Games 2025, among others.
Sean is a dedicated and disciplined competitive swimmer who represents Suriname at both regional and international levels. He stands out for his consistency, focus, and strong determination to continuously improve his performance.
The Suriname delegation is now ready to open the curtain of the South American Games this April 12 at the Rommel Fernández Gutiérrez Stadium.
