"This race is not mine. This race belongs to you and is because of you. It is the result of teamwork, humility, and the gallantry that characterizes us as Dominicans.".
SANTO DOMINGO– The XXV Central American and Caribbean Games Santo Domingo 2026 have been filled with emotion. An impressive opening ceremony, the constant raising of the Dominican flag with pride… and the moment for Marileidy Paulino, the Dominican athlete who in recent years has lifted national spirits with her numerous feats, earning her elite awards and countless accolades.
Competing on international soil is not the same as experiencing it in the land of her birth, and she knew it. She prepared herself for the moment when the Dominican stands would roar her name, reminding her that a humble girl from San Gregorio, Haina, could do it once again, raising collective applause and thousands of tricolor flags. "I ran with the responsibility and honor of representing the Dominican Republic. I ran so that my country could enjoy it, celebrate it, and feel it as a victory for everyone. I ran thinking of every Dominican who gets up to work hard, and especially, I ran so that my beloved town of Don Gregorio could experience it, be moved, and feel proud," the world champion expressed on her Instagram.
She not only bathed the Dominican Republic in gold on Wednesday night, August 5th, with her victory in the 400-meter dash, but she also set a new record with a time of 48.94 seconds, improving upon the mark of 49.95 she had set at the 2023 San Salvador Games.
"Every step on that track carried the name of my people, my family, my coaches, and all those who believe in Dominican sport," said the outstanding champion, revealing the pride and great emotion that ran through her veins, as she experienced one of the moments that will be doubly remembered forever in her fruitful sporting career.
"This race isn't mine," Msarileidy said. "This race belongs to you and is because of you. It's the result of teamwork, humility, and the courage that characterizes us as Dominicans.".
I call for this achievement to motivate us to keep moving forward. And he concluded with his homeland held high: "Long live the Dominican Republic forever.".
The Dominican medal count
As of yesterday, August 5th, the Dominican Republic had accumulated 98 medals: 24 gold, 21 silver, and 53 bronze. Mexico remains in the lead with 314 medals, followed by Colombia with 207, Cuba with 114, and Venezuela with 150.
The Santo Domingo 2026 Games will conclude next Saturday the 8th with a show, where Juan Guerra will perform, among other artists.
