Nicole Castro: “Five Years Running at the Top of the Pan American Championships”

At the 2026 Pan American SAMBO Championships, held in Alajuela, Costa Rica, Costa Rica's Nicole Castro claimed gold in the women's -80kg Combat SAMBO category. For the athlete, this marked her fifth consecutive continental title.

“This is now the fifth time in a row I've won the Pan American SAMBO Championships. But it still feels just as intense as the first time – I feel really happy,” the champion shared.

Every final is different, and this year Ecuador's Fiona Coronel gave the Costa Rican a real surprise.

“What was different this time... I think it's because I really had no idea what to expect, since it was the first time I'd faced this athlete in a final. I didn't know she'd come at me with strikes as well as throws, and that she'd be so strong on the ground too. So I think that's exactly it – coming up against someone completely new to me. Usually in our categories we all know each other well, but this time everything was a genuine surprise. I think that was really the main challenge,” Castro said.

Asked about the toughest moment of the fight, the athlete recalled the point when she took a strike to the face.

“I think I just took a hit right to the lips. And yeah, that hurt,” she admitted with a smile.

The Costa Rican dedicated her victory to her team, her loved ones, and her coach.

“This win is for everyone – for my national teammates, of course, and for my training partners at the academy, because without them I wouldn't be anything at all: they're the ones who help me grow every day. It's for my family, who are always there supporting me and watching everything so closely. And it's for my boyfriend too – he's always so attentive, pushing me to train and helping me with everything,” said Nicole Castro.