Four gold and two silver medals from Central American Games

tricia flores

More athletes returned home today from the Central American Games in Panama. The Belize contingent was not as large as other Central American countries so that may be one of the reasons it placed last in the number of medals. So far, female cyclist Shalini Zabaneh won silver while Edward Reyes brought back the bronze. Six other athletes landed at the Philip Goldson International today bringing back four gold and two silver medals.  Tricia Flores placed fourth in the one hundred meter finals and won the long jump competition while Kaina Martinez won two gold medals. Belizean American Jonathan Williams won the four hundred meter hurdle. It was an experience that Flores and her colleague, Kaina Martinez, say was worth the sacrifice.

Tricia Flores, Athlete

“I came in fourth for the one hundred meters finals and I won the long jump competition and I also set a new Central American record.  It was five point six-six meters and I jumped five point nine-seven meters. I started training since January so I was really prepared for the competition.”

Marion Ali

“Can you tell us what that was like – the competition itself?”

Tricia Flores

“Well at first I was very nervous going into the competition because I didn’t know what to expect even though I really wanted to break that record so I just went in there and I tried my best and I did it.”

Kaina Martinez, Athlete

kaina martinez

“I placed first in the one hundred meters and first in the two hundred meters and second in the long jump. Personally it means a lot because I have worked for it, I have spent my time putting in to work for the competition as well as school.”

Marion Ali

“How much time and what school?”

Kaina Martinez

“I go to the University of Belize and I’ve worked out for four or five months, since December.”