Isabel Rodríguez Silverio and Marcos Alejandro Fernández González clinched silver medals at the World Triathlon Regional Development Cup held in Limón, Costa Rica, last Sunday.
The two Cuban athletes competed in the sprint format—comprising 750 meters of swimming, 20 kilometers of cycling, and a five-kilometer run—at Playa Cieneguita. This event is part of the Americas Triathlon continental circuit, which aims to provide young athletes with international experience.
In the women's race, Rodríguez Silverio made a decisive breakaway during the cycling segment alongside Argentina's Sofía De Rosas and Guatemala's Bivian Andrea Luisita Díaz Fuentes, recording the fastest bike split of the race at 32:51 over 20 kilometers.
However, the final positions were determined during the running segment. According to the World Triathlon's weekly report released on Monday, "De Rosas was clearly determined to win in the run, finishing 18 seconds ahead of Rodríguez."
The Argentine athlete completed the race in 1:04:14, while the Cuban finished with a time of 1:04:32, including splits of 10:45 for swimming and 20:06 for the run.
Díaz Fuentes rounded out the women's podium with a time of 1:04:58.
In the men's event, Fernández González led the swim segment with the best time of 9:12. He also spearheaded a six-athlete breakaway during the cycling leg and arrived at the second transition with a slim lead over Mexico's Luis Miguel Chávez Sánchez.
Both athletes crossed the finish line with an identical official time of 55:29, with the photo finish awarding the victory to the Mexican competitor.
Costa Rica's Gerald Rojas Carvajal secured third place with a time of 55:33, while another Cuban, Jorge Emmanuel Alemañez, finished fourth with a time of 56:25 among 37 competitors from seven countries.
The competition was preceded by a regional development camp held in San José from October 20 to 25, involving 12 athletes and six coaches from Cuba, Costa Rica, Guatemala, Panama, El Salvador, and Honduras.
Both triathletes entered Limón with strong backgrounds in the development circuit. Rodríguez Silverio, hailing from Santa Clara and born in 2003, has achieved 10 podium finishes and three victories in 24 international outings, including the Amatique Bay Regional Cup in May this year.
Fernández González, born in 2004, boasts 12 podiums and four wins in 28 appearances, including the Asunción Regional Cup in August.
Alejandro Rodríguez, another notable figure in Cuban triathlon—distinct from the athletes mentioned here—earned a silver medal at the Huatulco World Cup in 2025, a historic achievement for the sport on the island.
Insights into Cuban Triathletes' Achievements
What was the format of the triathlon in Costa Rica?
The triathlon followed a sprint format, which included 750 meters of swimming, 20 kilometers of cycling, and a five-kilometer run.
Who were the top competitors in the women's event?
The top competitors in the women's event were Sofía De Rosas from Argentina, Isabel Rodríguez Silverio from Cuba, and Bivian Andrea Luisita Díaz Fuentes from Guatemala.
How did Cuban triathlete Marcos Alejandro Fernández González perform?
Marcos Alejandro Fernández González excelled in the swimming segment, leading with the fastest time of 9:12, and finished the race tied with Mexico's Luis Miguel Chávez Sánchez, ultimately taking silver after a photo finish.
What previous successes have the Cuban triathletes achieved?
Isabel Rodríguez Silverio has 10 podiums and three victories in 24 international competitions, while Marcos Alejandro Fernández González has 12 podiums and four wins in 28 participations.