Cabo Verde athletes win five powerlifting medals
Evilson Tavares secured gold in the 120kg bench press at the African Powerlifting Championship in South Africa.
Three athletes from Cabo Verde competed in the 2026 African Powerlifting Championship in Potchefstroom, South Africa, securing five medals: one gold and four silver. Evilson Tavares became the first Cape Verdean athlete to win an international gold medal in powerlifting.
The Cape Verdean team, which participated from October 30 to November 7, included Jeisson Carvalho (+120kg), Evilson Tavares (120kg), and Ledna da Silva (63kg). Tavares also won silver in the 120kg powerlifting event, da Silva took silver in the 63kg category, and Carvalho earned silver in the +120kg powerlifting and bench press events.
The Cape Verdean Weightlifting Federation (FECAH) congratulated the athletes on their historic participation. FECAH stated on Facebook that the three athletes from the Santiago Norte region demonstrated talent and determination, highlighting Cabo Verde on the continental stage.
Why it mattersThree athletes from Cabo Verde achieved international success in powerlifting and bench press at a continental championship.