Viviana Aroche once again put Guatemala’s name at the top of continental athletics. The Guastatoya athlete won the gold medal in the 10,000 meters at the Medellín 2026 Pan American Senior Athletics Championships with a time of 34:41.91.
Aroche won with a great finish in the last lap to surpass the Ecuadorian Mary Granja (34:42.90) and the Argentine Nélida Peñaflor (34:45.14). With this result he also secured his qualification for the Lima 2027 Pan American Games.
The Guatemalan is going through an exceptional 2026 under the direction of her coach Frank Ayala. So far this year he has set national records in the 1,500, 3,000, 5,000 and 10,000 meters, in addition to the half marathon.
In February he broke the Central American half marathon record in Barcelona with a time of 1:11:27. He later improved the national mark of the 10,000 meters in the United States and set new Guatemalan records in the 3,000 and 5,000 meters during the Bryan Clay Invitational.
The Guatemalan women’s delegation also stood out in the Pan American Championship. Thelma Noemí Fuentes, Danisha Chimilio Álvarez and Mariandrée Chacón had outstanding performances in their respective jumping and speed tests.
The National Athletics Sports Federation congratulated the athletes for proudly representing the country. The entity highlighted the dedication, effort and commitment shown throughout the competition.
After winning continental gold, Viviana Aroche already has her sights set on the Central American and Caribbean Games Santo Domingo 2026. The Guatemalan will compete in the 10,000 meters and the half marathon with the aim of extending her successful season.