Colombian boxer Evelin Trejos secured a silver medal in the women’s 54-kilogram division at the Youth Olympic Games in Dakar, Senegal, after falling to Uzbekistan’s Sabrina Chakomanova in the final.
- The 17-year-old risaraldense’s performance validates the talent pipeline of the Ministry of Sport’s Advanced Development Program (PAD).
Colombian boxer Evelin Trejos Salas finished second in the 54-kilogram category following a 5-0 defeat against Sabrina Chakomanova of Uzbekistan on Thursday, November 12, as reported by Radio Nacional de Colombia. The 17-year-old risaraldense closed her tournament run with three victories and one loss, securing the sole boxing final appearance for her country in Senegal.
The illusion of hearing the Colombian national anthem at the top of the podium fell short for Trejos, but the Pereira-born boxer delivered an important silver medal for the nation’s combat sports delegation, according to El Espectador. Chakomanova imposed her conditions from the opening bell, leaving the challenger with a difficult tactical start in the red corner.
During the opening round, the Uzbek opponent controlled the tempo while Trejos received cautions from the judges to keep her head up, as detailed by El Espectador. The Colombian athlete assumed a more defensive posture and struggled to find effective attacking lanes.
Chakomanova capitalized on that scenario to secure a 5-0 score in the first stanza, bringing the gold medal within reach. El Tiempo said that Trejos tried to reset her mindset in the second round and constantly answered her rival’s neutralization attempts, earning a split 3-2 decision from the judges in that specific frame before ultimately dropping the bout by unanimous decision.
Trejos began her campaign on Sunday, November 8, in the round of 16 against Romanian pugilist Iasmina Moraru, advancing via a 5-0 unanimous decision according to Radio Nacional de Colombia. El Espectador documented her subsequent 4-1 victory over Australia’s Belle Spicer in the quarterfinals, a result that guaranteed a podium finish regardless of subsequent outcomes.
In the semifinal round on Wednesday, November 11, the Colombian faced Japan’s Yura Kanemaru. Radio Nacional de Colombia reported that Trejos overcame an initial disadvantage to take a 5-0 win by unanimous decision.
“Aunque comenzó el enfrentamiento en desventaja, consiguió recuperarse y terminar ganando por decisión unánime,” reported Radio Nacional de Colombia regarding the semifinal comeback.
| Round | Opponent | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Quarterfinals | Belle Spicer (Australia) | 4-1 Win |
| Semifinals | Yura Kanemaru (Japan) | 5-0 Win |
| Final | Sabrina Chakomanova (Uzbekistan) | 0-5 Loss |
Trejos is among the athletes who advanced through the Ministry of Sport’s training pathways, participating in the 2023 and 2024 Inter-High School Games while entering the Advanced Development Program, as noted by Radio Nacional de Colombia. Her podium finish echoes Juan Carlos Carrillo’s silver medal in the 75-kilogram category at the Singapore 2010 Youth Olympic Games.
Colombia concluded its participation in Dakar 2026 with a total of eight medals comprising one gold, three silver, and four bronze accolades. Alongside Trejos, male competitor Izzon Galea captured a bronze medal in the 50-kilogram division, giving the delegation two total podiums in boxing.
El Colombiano detailed the wider medal breakdown, noting that Ilsa Mayerlín Córdoba earned the country’s first gold medal in the competition. Con la conclusión de los Juegos Olímpicos de la Juventud, Colombia’s historical tally across the youth event stands at 28 total medals.
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