Rose Mary Almanza Wins 800m Gold at the Central American and Caribbean Games in Santo Domingo 2026

August 18, 2026

Cuban runner Rose Mary Almanza won gold in the women's 800 meters at the XXV Central American and Caribbean Games, held in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, on August 7, 2026. Almanza crossed the finish line in 2:01.44, controlling the race with a steady pace from the start before accelerating decisively over the final stretch to secure the win.

The 33-year-old from Camagüey finished ahead of Mexico's Laura Galván, who took silver in 2:02.10, and Venezuela's Joselyn Brea, who claimed bronze in 2:02.88. The victory adds to a career defined by remarkable consistency: Almanza has represented Cuba at four consecutive Olympic Games (London 2012, Rio de Janeiro 2016, Tokyo 2020 and Paris 2024) and holds a personal best of 1:56.28 in the event, set in Stockholm in July 2021.

Beyond her individual accomplishments, Almanza was part of the Cuban 4x400m relay team that won the world title in 2021, and she has collected medals at the Pan American Games and Central American Championships over more than a decade of international competition.

With this latest title, the middle-distance runner reaffirms her standing as one of Cuba's most consistent athletes of her generation, in a discipline where the island maintains a strong tradition.