Julie Cruz, center, along Xavier Vivas (left) and Kasyah Dunn (right) – Photo Credit: Belize Karate Federation
By Rubén Morales Iglesias: Belize’s Julie Cruz delivered a determined and technically sharp performance at the 31st Central American Karate Championships 2026, earning the bronze medal in the Cadet Female, -54kg Kumite division.
Cruz, a student of Cayo Christian Academy in Ontario Village, opened her campaign with impressive victories over opponents from Mexico and El Salvador, demonstrating confidence, precision, and tactical discipline. Her semifinal bout against Venezuela was a hard-fought contest, with Cruz narrowly missing a place in the final but securing a well‑deserved place on the podium.
Her bronze medal contributed to a strong overall showing for the Belize Karate Federation’s youth delegation. Teammate Xavier Vivas captured silver in the U12, -40kg Male Kumite category, while Kasyah Dunn of St. Ann Anglican Primary School also represented Belize with pride in a competitive field.
The Belize Karate Federation extended heartfelt congratulations to Cruz for her achievement and expressed gratitude to the schools that supported the athletes’ participation: St. Ann Anglican Primary School, Ebenezer Methodist Primary School, and Cayo Christian Academy. The federation emphasized the importance of academic institutions that recognize the value of balancing school responsibilities with national sporting commitments.
“Representing Belize at the regional level is a significant achievement and an invaluable learning experience for these young athletes,” the BKF said.
“Your institutions’ support plays a vital role in making these opportunities possible. We respectfully ask for your continued understanding in facilitating these students as they catch up on any missed assignments, coursework, or examinations during their absence while representing our country. On behalf of the Belize Karate Federation, we thank you for helping to nurture not only excellent students, but also proud ambassadors for Belize through sport.”
Cruz returns home as a Central American bronze medalist, continuing Belize’s upward trajectory in regional karate.
The post Julie Cruz wins bronze for Belize at Central American Karate Championships appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
Julie Cruz, center, along Xavier Vivas (left) and Kasyah Dunn (right) – Photo Credit: Belize Karate Federation By Rubén Morales Iglesias: Belize’s Julie Cruz delivered a determined and technically sharp performance at the 31st Central American Karate Championships 2026, earning the bronze medal in the Cadet Female, -54kg Kumite division. Cruz, a student of Cayo
The post Julie Cruz wins bronze for Belize at Central American Karate Championships appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.