Santo Domingo.- Wendy Santana, a trailblazer in Dominican women’s weightlifting, will be inducted into the Dominican Sports Hall of Fame, becoming the fourth woman in the sport to earn this honor. The induction will take place on November 17 during the 58th induction ceremony. Santana joins fellow weightlifters Wanda Rijo, Guillermina Candelario, and Miosotis Heredia, alongside male legends Amaury Cordero and Rafael “El Pollito” Ortega.
Santana began her weightlifting career in 1987, quickly rising to national prominence by winning three gold medals in the 48 kg category just a year later. Over her career, she secured over 20 international medals, including three silver medals at the 1999 Central American and Caribbean Games, a silver at the Pan American Championship, and additional silver and bronze medals at the 2003 Pan American Games in Santo Domingo.
Her induction highlights her immense contribution to Dominican sports, cementing her legacy as one of the pioneers of women’s weightlifting in the country. Santana’s achievements brought international recognition to the Dominican Republic in major events like the Central American and Pan American Games.