From Huasco to the National Podium: Local Athletes Shine at the U20/U23 Athletics Championships

Athletes from the Valle del Huasco Athletics Club achieved outstanding results at the 2026 U20/U23 National Athletics Championships, reflecting the club’s strong development program, the dedication of its coaches, and the support provided to local sports initiatives.

Huasco Valley, Chile – Athletics from the Huasco Valley once again stood out on the national stage. Athletes from the Valle del Huasco Athletics Club participated in the 2026 U20/U23 National Athletics Championships, held at the Mario Recordón Track in Santiago’s National Stadium, achieving results that highlight the region’s growing sporting development.

In the U20 category, Diego Álvarez Tabilo secured first place in both the 5,000-meter and 1,500-meter races. Other notable performances included Maximiliano Araya, who finished third in the 3,000-meter steeplechase; Emilia Araos, who placed third in the 5,000 meters; and Matías Olivares, who achieved a personal best while finishing seventh in his heat. In the U23 category, Camila Ponce earned third place in the long jump and fourth place in the 100-meter sprint.

In this context, Carlos Cortés, coach of the Valle del Huasco Athletics Club, highlighted CMP’s support in promoting local sports and contributing to these achievements.

“For our club, CMP’s support has been fundamental in strengthening the sports development project we lead alongside coach Ismael Castillo. This support has enabled us to improve training facilities, enhance both the developmental and competitive aspects of our athletes’ preparation, and increase participation among children and young people in athletics,” he stated.

Founded in 2016, the Valle del Huasco Athletics Club continues to strengthen sports development within the community. Its participation in national competitions reaffirms the growth of local athletics and the value of collaborative efforts in developing new talent from the territory—a process that CMP proudly supports and encourages.

CMP Sports Roundtable

These results also reflect the sports development initiatives promoted by Compañía Minera del Pacífico (CMP) in the Huasco Valley. Through its Sports Roundtable initiative, the company supports various disciplines and local training programs, including distance and middle-distance running workshops as well as sprinting and jumping programs. This support is complemented by access to an athletics track, providing young athletes with improved conditions for training and preparation.

“These achievements reflect the athletes’ discipline, the commitment of their families, and the sustained work of the Valle del Huasco Athletics Club and its coaches. For CMP, it is important to support sports programs that promote healthy lifestyles, values-based development, and opportunities for children, young people, and the broader community,” said Sandra Ortiz, Superintendent of Community Relations and Territorial Value at CMP.

Club representatives also emphasized the importance of this support, noting that it has strengthened both athlete development and competitive performance, improved training facilities, and encouraged greater participation among children and young people in athletics. They also highlighted the positive impact of sports on students’ lives by fostering healthy habits, discipline, teamwork, and new opportunities for personal growth.