Two Continents, Two Flags, Two Golds
Anastasiia Velozo makes history and wins two gold medals under two different flags on two continents.
MACAE, BRAZIL — In the arena of international karate, elite competitors dream of conquering a single continent. Chile's Anastasiia Velozo has now conquered two, fighting under two different flags in a transcendent athletic odyssey.
Velozo secured her status as a global powerhouse by capturing the gold medal in the Senior Female -68kg division at the 2026 Pan American Karate Championships in Brazil. This victory marks a monumental milestone: Velozo has officially won gold medals representing two different countries across two distinct continents.
2017 European Cadet, Junior, U21 Championships, Bulgaria (Photo by Xavier Servolle)
Her continental reign began nearly a decade ago in 2017, when she secured European Championship gold for Ukraine in the U21 Female -55kg category in Bulgaria.
Velozo’s transition to representing Chile has been nothing short of spectacular. This Pan American triumph follows her historic bronze-medal performance at the 2025 World Championships in Egypt, where she competed as a senior under the Chilean banner. Velozo has not only broken regional boundaries but has redefined the possibilities of international sports longevity. She stands alone as a truly intercontinental champion.
Fifth Pan American Title
Sharing the spotlight in Brazil, Chilean heavyweight icon Rodrigo Rojas etched his name further into martial arts folklore by capturing his fifth career gold medal at the Pan American Karate Championships.
Competing in the Male Kumite +84kg division, the 2023 Santiago Pan American Games Champion showcased the veteran poise and explosive technique that have long made him a global force.
Following a dominant start to his 2026 season—which already included prestigious Karate 1 Premier League titles in Estambul and Leshan—Rojas's latest continental victory solidifies his undisputed legacy as one of the greatest karatekas the Americas have ever produced.
Photo: Jonathan da Rocha / Karate Insights
Written by Artificial Intelligence