Cabo Verde has made history in powerlifting with Evilson Tavares winning the country's first international gold medal and Jeisson Carvalho securing silver at the 2026 African Championships. The competition, held in Potchefstroom, South Africa, saw Tavares emerge as the champion in the men's 120kg category of the bench press. Tavares, from Santiago Norte, achieved this remarkable feat, marking a significant milestone for Cabo Verde in the sport.

Jeisson Carvalho, also from Santiago Norte, claimed the silver medal in the men's over 120kg category of the same event. This victory marks Carvalho's first international silver medal in powerlifting, showcasing his impressive skills and dedication to the sport. The achievements of both athletes have garnered praise and recognition from the Cabo Verdean community and the country's sports federation.

The Federação Cabo-verdiana de Halterofilismo (Fecah) has congratulated Tavares and Carvalho on their outstanding performances, which have brought pride and representation to the nation. The federation's recognition highlights the athletes' hard work and commitment to powerlifting, a sport that is gaining momentum in Cabo Verde.

With two medals, one gold and one silver, Cabo Verde concluded its participation in the 2026 African Powerlifting Championships on a high note. Tavares' gold medal is particularly significant as it marks the country's first-ever international gold medal in powerlifting. This achievement is expected to inspire and motivate other athletes in the country to pursue excellence in the sport.

The success of Tavares and Carvalho is a testament to the growing talent and potential in Cabo Verde's powerlifting community. As the sport continues to gain popularity, it is likely that more athletes from the country will make their mark in international competitions. The government and sports authorities are expected to provide support and resources to nurture this talent and promote the development of powerlifting in Cabo Verde.

The African Championships provided a platform for Tavares and Carvalho to showcase their skills and compete against top athletes from the continent. Their performances have not only brought recognition to themselves but also to their country, highlighting the importance of investing in sports development and promoting national pride.

The achievements of Evilson Tavares and Jeisson Carvalho will be celebrated in Cabo Verde, and their success is expected to have a positive impact on the country's sports landscape. As the nation looks to build on this momentum, there is a growing sense of optimism and anticipation for future competitions and the potential for more athletes to make their mark on the international stage.

Key points

  • Evilson Tavares won Cabo Verde's first international gold medal in powerlifting at the 2026 African Championships.
  • Jeisson Carvalho secured the silver medal in the men's over 120kg category of the bench press event.
  • The achievements of Tavares and Carvalho are expected to inspire and motivate other athletes in Cabo Verde to pursue excellence in powerlifting.

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SaharaWire Newsroom
SaharaWire

Reporting for SaharaWire from the Nairobi bureau.