WILLEMSTAD – Eight athletes from Swordfish Aquatic Group delivered an impressive performance at the international PanaCur 2026 artistic swimming competition in Panama, bringing home a total of 17 medals for Curaçao.
The Curaçao delegation returned with an impressive haul of eleven gold medals, two silver medals, and four bronze medals after competing against athletes from several countries in the region.
PanaCur 2026 was held from June 10 to 15 and featured participants in both beginner and intermediate categories. The Curaçao swimmers competed in figures, solo routines, duets, and team events, earning podium finishes across multiple disciplines.
Strong Results in Figure Competitions
Among the standout performers was Nia Rose Plaate, who captured two gold medals in the Semillitas up to 10 years category and the Mini A category.
Additional gold medals were won by Eliana Kuwas, Maria Fernanda Orejuela Osorio, Zyva Mongen, and Alysha Silié in their respective categories.
Jay-D'Laynah Rijke earned a bronze medal, while Nisheely Obispo secured a silver medal, adding to Curaçao's growing medal count.
Success Continues in Routine Events
The success continued during the routine competitions, where Curaçao's athletes excelled in duet and solo events.
The duet teams of Maria Fernanda Orejuela Osorio and Jay-D'Laynah Rijke, as well as Nisheely Obispo and Alysha Silié, both claimed gold medals for Curaçao.
The team also earned additional podium finishes in solo events, further demonstrating the depth of talent within the Swordfish Aquatic Group program.
Team Earns Bronze
In the team competition, Curaçao's squad of Nia Rose Plaate, Jay-D'Laynah Rijke, Leilani Cannegieter, and Maria Fernanda Orejuela Osorio captured a bronze medal by finishing third overall.
The result capped a highly successful tournament for the young athletes and their coaches.
Growing International Presence
According to Swordfish Aquatic Group, the results once again highlight the potential of Curaçao's athletes in artistic swimming and demonstrate that the island can compete successfully on the international stage in the sport.
The club noted that the performances in Panama reflect the dedication of the swimmers, coaches, and families who continue to invest time and effort into the development of artistic swimming in Curaçao.
With 17 medals and numerous podium finishes, the team returned home with one of its strongest performances in recent years, further strengthening Curaçao's reputation in regional aquatic sports.