Country’s Athletes Win Four Medals

Swimmer Claudia Poll will bring three medals home to Costa Rica from the Central American and Caribbean Games in Cartagena, Colombia, which began July 15 and will conclude Sunday.

Poll powered her way to gold medals in the 200-meter freestyle and 400-meter freestyle competitions July 20 and 21, respectively, and won a silver medal in the 100-meter freestyle July 22.

Additionally, Tico athlete Christopher Maitland earned a bronze medal yesterday in tae kwon do.

Other Costa Rican athletes in Cartagena participated in the gymnastics, discus, judo, volleyball and equestrian competitions. The track and field, racquetball, bowling, soccer, tae kwon do, triathalon and synchronized swimming competitions are under way and will conclude today and tomorrow before Sunday’s closing ceremony.

During the months leading up to the games, it was uncertain whether the National Olympic Committee (CON) would receive funds from Costa Rican Sports and Recreation Institute (ICODER) for the country’s athletes to attend, leading many sports’ federations to raise funds from outside sources (TT, July 14).

At the final hour, the Comptroller approved $144 million ($282,350) the committee obtained from the Finance Ministry in 2005. ICODER deposited these funds into the committee’s account July 20, making it possible for all 108 athletes and coaches who planned to compete at the games to attend.