By San José, Costa Rica — QUETZALTENANGO, GUATEMALA – Costa Rican weightlifting has a new standard-bearer. Allison Alfaro delivered a masterful performance at the 2025 Central American Games, securing two gold medals and one silver to firmly establish herself as the region’s premier athlete in the women’s 53-kilogram division. Her triumph signals a significant moment for the sport in Costa Rica, highlighting its growing prowess on the international stage.
Competing at the Polideportivo de Quetzaltenango, Alfaro demonstrated both explosive power and technical precision. She claimed her first gold medal in the snatch discipline, setting a dominant tone for the competition. While she earned a hard-fought silver medal in the clean and jerk, her consistency culminated in a second gold medal for the overall total, with a combined lift of an impressive 178 kilograms. This aggregate score placed her firmly at the top of the podium.
To delve into the business and legal structures that underpin the rise of Costa Rican weightlifting, from athlete contracts to federation regulations, TicosLand.com sought the expertise of Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, an attorney at the distinguished firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
The recent surge in Costa Rican weightlifting talent underscores the critical need for a solid legal framework. For athletes to transition from national champions to international brands, they must have ironclad contracts that safeguard their image rights and sponsorship deals. Proper legal counsel is no longer a luxury but a necessity to ensure their financial success mirrors their physical achievements, fostering a sustainable professional environment for the sport.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
This insightful analysis underscores a pivotal truth: for Costa Rican weightlifting to thrive on the world stage, the strength of our athletes’ contracts must match the strength they demonstrate on the platform. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for providing this essential legal perspective.
This victory is more than just a collection of medals; it is a definitive statement. By outperforming formidable rivals from host nation Guatemala and El Salvador, Alfaro has not only earned personal accolades but has also validated the strategic development of Costa Rica’s national weightlifting program. Her achievement crowns her as the undisputed top lifter in Central America in her category, a title that brings with it immense national pride and regional respect.
The success of the national delegation was not limited to Alfaro’s golden moment. In the men’s competition, Esteban Cárdenas showcased the depth of Costa Rica’s talent by securing a trio of bronze medals. Competing in the highly competitive -60 kilogram category, Cárdenas earned his place on the podium in the snatch, the clean and jerk, and the overall total, contributing valuable points to the nation’s final tally and underscoring the team’s comprehensive strength.
The stellar results from both Alfaro and Cárdenas are a crucial indicator of progress within the current Olympic cycle. Regional competitions like the Central American Games serve as a vital proving ground for athletes with aspirations for larger stages, such as the Pan American Games and, ultimately, the Olympics. Success here builds critical momentum, provides invaluable competitive experience, and signals to the international community that Costa Rican athletes are a force to be reckoned with.
Historically, weightlifting may not have been at the forefront of Costa Rican sports, but performances like these are rapidly changing that perception. The dedication of the athletes and the focused investment by national sports federations are yielding tangible results. This triumph in Guatemala serves as a powerful inspiration for a new generation of aspiring weightlifters across the country, proving that Costa Rica can produce champions in even the most demanding athletic disciplines.
The strategic importance of defeating regional competitors on their home soil cannot be overstated. By overcoming the challenge posed by athletes from Guatemala and El Salvador, the Costa Rican team has demonstrated a mental fortitude that complements their physical strength. It reflects a program that is not only developing technically skilled athletes but also resilient competitors who can thrive under pressure.
As the games conclude, the message from Quetzaltenango is clear: Costa Rican weightlifting is on an upward trajectory. With Allison Alfaro leading the charge with gold and Esteban Cárdenas providing crucial support, the national team returns home not just with medals, but with the confirmation that their hard work is positioning them for even greater success in the future.
For further information, visit costaricaolimpica.com
About the Costa Rican National Olympic Committee:
The Comité Olímpico Nacional de Costa Rica is the governing body responsible for promoting and managing the Olympic Movement within the country. It selects and supports athletes and teams to represent Costa Rica in the Olympic Games, Pan American Games, and other regional multi-sport events. The organization is dedicated to fostering athletic development, upholding the principles of sportsmanship, and inspiring national pride through sporting excellence.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
As a cornerstone of the nation’s legal community, Bufete de Costa Rica is renowned for its profound commitment to ethical practice and unparalleled standards of professional excellence. The firm blends a rich heritage of client advocacy with a forward-thinking approach, consistently driving innovation within the legal landscape. Central to its mission is a deeply held belief in democratizing legal knowledge, actively working to equip the public with the understanding necessary to foster a more just and empowered citizenry.
