Hatashita Sports Takes 6 Medals at the 2026 Pan American Championships

The 2026 Pan American Championships took place on April 18 and 19 in Panama City. Team USA Judo finished the event with 8 medals overall, and 6 of those 8 podium finishes were claimed by Hatashita Sports sponsored athletes.

Dominic Rodriguez first made history in 2022 when he became the youngest U.S. male athlete to win a senior Pan American title in the -73 kg category. Four years later, he proved it was no fluke, capturing his second Pan American gold medal, this time in the -81 kg division. In that same category, Johan Silot earned the first Pan American Championship medal of his career, stepping onto the podium with a bronze-medal finish.

Alex Semenenko also delivered a standout performance in Panama. Competing in his first senior Pan American Championships, he powered his way to the final of the +100 kg division, earning an impressive silver medal after a strong run through the field.

In the -60 kg category, Jonathan Yang improved on last year’s bronze medal performance by reaching the final. Along the way, he secured a semifinal victory over teammate Christopher Velazco, another Hatashita Sports athlete. Yang ultimately claimed silver after facing Jonathan Charon of Cuba in the final.

The -73 kg division delivered a highly anticipated rematch of the 2025 Pan American final. Jack Yonezuka, the defending champion, once again found himself in the spotlight. However, this time it was Daniel Cargnin of Brazil who turned the tables, showcasing his experience and tactical precision to take gold. Yonezuka fought hard and finished with a well-earned silver medal.

Maria Larborde showed true resilience throughout the competition. After a difficult start and a penalty loss in the quarterfinal against Nemesis Candelo (PAN) , she regrouped and battled her way back through repechage. In the bronze medal match, she defeated Erika Jara of Ecuador to secure her fifth Pan American Championship medal representing the United States.

Just off the podium, strong performances came from Christopher Velazco (-60 kg) and Mariah Holguin (-57 kg), both finishing in fifth place.

Congratulations to all our athletes on an outstanding performance.