The second day of the 2024 PKF Senior Karate Championships in Punta del Este, Uruguay, saw more intense competition in the individual kumite categories. Athletes from across the Americas showcased their skills, leading to some exciting matches and surprising outcomes.
Opening Ceremony
The second day of the championships was marked by a vibrant and colorful opening ceremony held in the afternoon. The ceremony was a celebration of karate’s rich cultural heritage and the unity of the Pan American karate community. It featured a parade of athletes from the 23 participating countries, traditional Uruguayan music and dance performances, and speeches from dignitaries, including representatives from the Pan American Karate Federation (PKF) and local officials. The opening ceremony set the tone for the rest of the tournament, emphasizing the spirit of camaraderie and the pursuit of excellence.
Day 2 Results
Female Kumite -50 kg
- Yamina Lahyansa (Canada)
- Sofia Cardenas Balcazar (Colombia)
- Yorgelis Salazar Camacho (Venezuela)
- Laura Suarez (Colombia)
Female Kumite -55 kg
- Hana Furumoto-Deshaies (Canada)
- Valentina Toro Meneses (Chile)
- Trinity Allen (United States)
- Yanilly Machado (United States)
Female Kumite -61 kg
- Claudyma Garces Sequera (Venezuela)
- Natalia Bernal Herrera (Colombia)
- Alexandra Grande (Peru)
- Alejandra Ortega Cano (Colombia)
Male Kumite -60 kg
- Juan Camilo Fernandez Diaz (Colombia)
- Juan Forero (Colombia)
- Kevin Joaquin Molina Santillan (Argentina)
- Nicolas Deandrea (Uruguay)
Male Kumite -67 kg
- Vinicius Figueira (Brazil)
- Thulyo Araujo (Brazil)
- Camilo Velozo (Chile)
- Tomas Freire Fuentes (Chile)
Male Kumite -75 kg
- Thomas Scott (United States)
- Matias Rodriguez Fuentes (Chile)
- Joaquin Gonzalez Lavin (Chile)
- Allan Maldonado (Guatemala)
Updated Country Medal Tally
| Country | Gold | Silver | Bronze | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| United States | 4 | 3 | 5 | 12 |
| Brazil | 2 | 2 | 5 | 9 |
| Colombia | 0 | 4 | 8 | 12 |
| Venezuela | 1 | 0 | 6 | 7 |
| Chile | 1 | 4 | 5 | 10 |
| Canada | 2 | 0 | 0 | 2 |
| Puerto Rico | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| Dominican Republic | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 |
| Curacao | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 |
| Mexico | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 |
| Ecuador | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 |
| Argentina | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 |
| Uruguay | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 |
| Peru | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 |
| Guatemala | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 |
Highlights of Day 2
Canada made a strong impression in the Female Kumite categories, with Yamina Lahyansa and Hana Furumoto-Deshaies securing gold in the -50 kg and -55 kg categories, respectively. Venezuela’s Claudyma Garces Sequera took the top spot in the Female Kumite -61 kg, adding to Venezuela’s medal tally.
In the Male Kumite categories, Colombia dominated the -60 kg category, with Juan Camilo Fernandez Diaz and Juan Forero taking gold and silver, respectively. Brazil showcased its strength in the -67 kg category, with Vinicius Figueira and Thulyo Araujo securing gold and silver.
The United States continued its impressive performance, with Thomas Scott winning gold in the Male Kumite -75 kg category.
Looking Ahead
As the 2024 PKF Senior Karate Championships continue, anticipation builds for the team categories and Para-Karate events. The championships not only celebrate individual excellence but also serve as a crucial qualifier for the World Team Championships in Pamplona, Spain, later this year. Stay tuned for more thrilling updates and results from Punta del Este.