Costa Rica’s flag once again rose to the top of the podium at the 2026 Central American and Caribbean Games in Santo Domingo. Costa Rican taekwondo athlete Jaycee Bassett was crowned champion in the women’s under-46 kg category after defeating Mexico’s Fernanda Hernández in the final.

The victory came during the first day of taekwondo finals at the XXV Central American and Caribbean Games, held in the Dominican Republic. According to Centro Caribe Sports, Bassett defeated Hernández 2–0, becoming one of the first taekwondo champions of the 2026 edition.

A Victory for Costa Rican Taekwondo

The final brought together two athletes representing countries with a strong regional taekwondo tradition.

Bassett controlled the bout and secured a 2–0 victory over Fernanda Hernández. The result earned her the gold medal and added another international achievement to her sporting career.

The under-46 kg category is one of the official women’s kyorugi divisions included in the Santo Domingo Games.

Bassett’s victory was also significant during the opening day of taekwondo finals, as Costa Rica, the Dominican Republic, Mexico, and Venezuela shared the first six gold medals awarded in the discipline.

A High-Level International Stage

The Central American and Caribbean Games bring together athletes from numerous countries across the region and represent one of the area’s most important multi-sport competitions.

At Santo Domingo 2026, taekwondo features 164 athletes, divided equally between 82 men and 82 women. The discipline has been part of the official Games program since Ponce 1993 and has established itself as one of the event’s most competitive sports.

For athletes, reaching the podium at this level means facing some of the strongest competitors from Central America, the Caribbean, and other participating nations.

A Sport Combining Technique, Strategy and Speed

Combat taekwondo, known as kyorugi, requires athletes to combine speed, precision, endurance, and the ability to adapt to their opponent.

Each bout follows a scoring system in which athletes seek to land valid techniques on authorized areas of the body and head. Strategy plays a crucial role, as competitors must find the right balance between attacking and avoiding their opponent’s actions.

At this level of competition, small details can determine the outcome. The ability to remain focused and adjust tactics during a bout can be just as important as physical preparation.

Costa Rica Makes Its Mark in Santo Domingo

Bassett’s medal came during a particularly positive period for the Costa Rican delegation.

During the opening days of competition, Costa Rica moved into the top ten of the Games’ medal table thanks to several strong performances. Alongside Bassett’s gold medal, the country also secured silver and bronze medals in other events.

In taekwondo, Costa Rican athlete Víctor Cantillano previously won a silver medal in the men’s individual traditional poomsae, with a score of 8.180.

Taekwondo athlete Laura Sancho also earned a bronze medal after defeating Nicaragua’s Erika Narváez.

These results highlight Costa Rica’s presence across different taekwondo disciplines at the Games.

The Rise of a New Generation of Athletes

The international results achieved by Costa Rican athletes are also linked to high-performance support programs developed in the country.

In 2026, the Costa Rican Institute of Sport and Recreation (ICODER) added 75 new athletes to its High-Performance Athlete Incentive Program. The group represents 17 different sports, including taekwondo.

ICODER also renewed scholarships for 88 athletes from 24 sports for 2026. The program provides financial support and other benefits intended to help athletes prepare for national and international competitions.

These initiatives aim to give athletes better conditions in which to develop their careers and compete at the highest level.

Santo Domingo 2026 Continues

Jaycee Bassett’s victory is just one chapter in Costa Rica’s participation in the Central American and Caribbean Games.

With numerous sports still underway, the national delegation continues to pursue new opportunities to reach the podium and increase its medal tally.

For Costa Rican sport, every international result is also an opportunity to highlight the work of athletes, coaches, federations, and sporting organizations.

Another Medal for a Small Sporting Nation

Costa Rica is a relatively small country within the international sporting landscape, yet its athletes have achieved success across a wide range of disciplines.

Jaycee Bassett’s gold medal in Santo Domingo is another example of Costa Rican talent competing successfully at the highest regional level.

Beyond the medal itself, her victory represents years of training, discipline, and preparation, while providing another reason to look toward the new generations of athletes shaping the future of Costa Rican sport.