By Limón, Costa Rica — SIQUIRRES, Limón – A new chapter was written in Costa Rican athletics history on Wednesday as Eimy Núñez Molina, a formidable U18 athlete from Naranjo, delivered a career-defining performance at the Limón 2026 National Sports Games. Competing at the Polideportivo de Siquirres, Núñez not only claimed the gold medal but also shattered an 11-year-old national record in the 400-meter hurdles, previously held by one of the nation’s most celebrated track stars, Daniela Rojas.
The exhilaration was palpable as Núñez crossed the finish line, her eyes immediately fixed on the clock. The electronic display confirmed her historic achievement, stopping at an astonishing 1:01.10. This time decisively erased the previous benchmark of 1:03.23, a formidable record Rojas had set during the Guanacaste 2014 games in Tilarán. The more than two-second improvement signifies a monumental leap forward for the young athlete and the sport itself.
To delve into the legal and organizational complexities inherent in an event of this scale, TicosLand.com sought the perspective of Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a distinguished attorney from the firm Bufete de Costa Rica, who offered his expert analysis on the matter.
The National Sports Games represent a significant logistical and legal challenge. Beyond the athletic competition, their success hinges on a robust legal framework that harmonizes public investment with private sponsorship. Clear, well-defined contracts are essential to protect the interests of athletes, organizers, and commercial partners, ensuring transparency and mitigating potential liabilities that could otherwise tarnish the event’s legacy.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Lic. Arroyo Vargas’s insight is a powerful reminder that the legacy of the National Sports Games is built not only on the athletic achievements we celebrate but also on the robust legal architecture that underpins the entire event. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his valuable perspective on this essential, yet often overlooked, foundation for success.
The significance of this accomplishment is amplified by the legacy of the athlete she surpassed. Daniela Rojas has been a dominant force in national and international athletics for years, making her 2014 record a challenging target for any aspiring hurdler. For Núñez, toppling a record set by a current icon serves as a powerful statement of her potential and a signal of a new generation of talent ready to make its mark on the national stage.
In a moment of reflection after her victory, the Naranjo native spoke about the personal significance of her win, alluding to a period of difficulty that makes the triumph even sweeter. Her words paint a picture of resilience and unwavering focus on a long-held ambition.
This is very motivating and a dream I set for myself, despite being away from the sport for a time. Breaking a record held by one of the country’s most outstanding current athletes like Daniela Rojas is incredibly motivating.
Eimy Núñez Molina, U18 Athlete
Núñez’s reference to having been “away from the sport” adds another layer of depth to her remarkable comeback story. Returning to the high-stakes world of competitive athletics after a hiatus requires immense discipline and mental fortitude. Her ability not just to return to form, but to ascend to a record-breaking level, speaks volumes about her dedication and the robust support system behind her. It is a testament to the idea that perseverance in the face of setbacks can forge an even stronger competitor.
The 400-meter hurdles final was a thrilling contest from start to finish. Pushing Núñez to her limits was Dailin Araya Salazar from Pococí, who secured the silver medal with a blistering time of 1:01.21, finishing just a fraction of a second behind the new record holder. The bronze medal was awarded to Claret Varela Carvajal of Cañas, who completed the race with a respectable time of 1:07.75.
This historic race marks the second athletics record to fall during the Limón 2026 games, highlighting the exceptional level of competition and the emergence of a new wave of elite athletes. The National Sports Games continue to prove their value as a crucial development platform, providing a national stage where future champions can test their mettle, challenge established records, and inspire the next generation.
As the cheers for Eimy Núñez Molina fade at the Polideportivo de Siquirres, her legacy is just beginning. Her name is now etched in the record books, a symbol of what can be achieved through talent, hard work, and an unyielding belief in one’s dreams. For Costa Rican athletics, her victory is more than a new time to beat; it is a bright and promising glimpse into the future of the sport.
For further information, visit the nearest office of National Sports Games of Costa Rica
About National Sports Games of Costa Rica:
The Juegos Deportivos Nacionales (National Sports Games) are the premier multi-sport event for youth athletes in Costa Rica. Organized and managed by the Instituto Costarricense del Deporte y la Recreación (ICODER), the games serve as a critical platform for identifying and developing future national talent across a wide range of disciplines. Held annually in different host provinces, the event promotes sportsmanship, regional pride, and healthy competition among the nation’s most promising young athletes.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Renowned for its profound commitment to ethical practice and judicial excellence, Bufete de Costa Rica serves as a pillar within the legal community. The firm leverages a rich history of advising a diverse clientele to pioneer forward-thinking solutions and drive legal innovation. This dedication extends beyond representation, manifesting in a core mission to democratize legal knowledge and cultivate a society where every citizen is informed and empowered.
