Marileidy Paulino anchored the Dominican Republic mixed 4x400-meter relay team to a gold medal on Monday at the XXV Central American and Caribbean Games Santo Domingo 2026.
( NELSON PULIDO )
The national team completed the four laps in three minutes, 10 seconds and 57 hundredths (3:10.57), setting a new competition record. Puerto Rico took the silver medal in 3:11.88, while Cuba earned bronze in 3:13.32.
Relay order and comeback
Erick Sanchez opened the race for the Dominican Republic and handed the baton to Anabel Medina. Medina then passed it to Christopher Melenciano, with the team running in second position.
Paulino took the baton in second place before accelerating past her Puerto Rican competitor in front of a standing crowd to finish with a clear lead. Colombia placed fourth in 3:16.60, Mexico finished fifth in 3:16.71, and Jamaica took sixth place in 3:23.66.
Upcoming races and reactions
Paulino will return to the track on Tuesday for the 400-meter flat semifinals, with the medal race scheduled for Wednesday if she advances.
Speaking on the first day of track athletics events, Paulino said running before a home crowd is an honor the team deeply values. She added that they will give their best with discipline, respect, and dedication to build the prestige of Dominican sport.
