Elite weightlifter Yhurisen Molenaar, recipient of the prestigious Kopa Beto Adriana Award, has once again made Curaçao proud with an outstanding international performance at the South Central & American Masters Weightlifting Championship and the Pan American Masters Weightlifting Championship, held in San Salvador, El Salvador, from May 24–31, 2026.
After securing his qualification in 2025, Yhurisen represented Curaçao in the 40–44 age category and the 65 kg weight class. Demonstrating the dedication, discipline, and perseverance that have defined his career, he delivered another impressive performance on the international stage.
Competing against some of the region’s strongest Masters athletes, Yhurisen captured two silver medals with a combined total of 192 kilograms, further strengthening his position in international Masters weightlifting.
Thanks to this exceptional result, Yhurisen has officially qualified for the 2026 World Masters Weightlifting Championship, which will take place in Athens, Greece.
