WILLEMSTAD – Curaçao has made sporting history at the South American Games in Argentina, where high jumper Glenka Antonia won the island’s first-ever gold medal at the competition.
The 27-year-old athlete secured the historic victory by clearing 1.87 meters on her second attempt, finishing ahead of her main competitors from Brazil and Colombia.
Both of Antonia’s rivals reached 1.85 meters but were unable to match the Curaçao athlete’s winning height.
The achievement marks another major milestone in Antonia’s athletics career. She previously became Dutch national champion and, with her latest victory, has established herself as one of Curaçao’s most successful athletes in regional competition in recent years.
Curaçao also celebrated success in boxing at the South American Games. Boxer Fabian Williams secured a bronze medal, giving the island two medal-winning performances at the event.
Antonia and Williams have since returned to Curaçao, where they received a festive welcome from sports federation FDOK in recognition of their achievements.
The two athletes were also honored during activities connected to Culture Week in Otrobanda, allowing the Curaçao community to celebrate their performances.
Antonia’s gold carries particular significance because no Curaçao athlete had previously won a gold medal at the South American Games.
Her 1.87-meter performance not only secured victory against strong South American competition but also added a new chapter to Curaçao’s international sporting history.