Peru has reason to rejoice as Antonella Belén Rocha Muñoz, backed by her unwavering faith and strong family support, has captured gold at the 2025 South American Rhythmic Gymnastics Championship held in Cochabamba, Bolivia.
In a moment of national pride, Rocha’s calm composure, disciplined training, and belief in a higher purpose propelled her and her partner to a historic victory in the Senior Duo (Elite / Mayores) division.
The Path to Victory
Event Overview
The 2025 South American Rhythmic Gymnastics Championship ran from September 8 to 14 in Cochabamba.
On September 12, in a highly contested field, the Peruvian duo delivered a technically and artistically outstanding routine to secure the top spot on the podium.
The Duo on Stage
The gold-winning team consisted of Antonella Rocha and partner Hannah Navas.
Their performance combined clean execution, daring elements of difficulty, fluid transitions, and expressive artistry—elements that set them apart from other elite pairs.
Milestone Achievement
This achievement is being hailed as a landmark for Peru’s rhythmic gymnastics program.
It was the first time a Peruvian rhythmic gymnast at the highest national level claimed a gold medal in this continental competition.
The title carries added significance because Rocha has the designation of Deportista Calificado de Alto Nivel (DECAN), reserved for top-tier athletes—making the victory even more symbolic.
Faith, Family, and Focus
Faith as Foundation
Rocha openly stated that prayer is part of her competitive preparation. Before stepping onto the mat, she takes time to reflect and place the result in a spiritual perspective.
This mindset provides her with calm focus in high-pressure moments and helps transform expectation into presence.
Family’s Steady Support
Her family, particularly her father Augusto Rocha Arotoma, has been a constant source of encouragement.
Their emotional support through preparation and during the competition week gave Rocha stability and confidence. She credits them for helping her stay grounded and resilient in the face of stress.
Harnessing Nerves into Performance
Rocha and her coaching team followed a balanced approach—acknowledging nerves rather than suppressing them.
Her belief in faith and the strength of her family allowed her to channel tension into positive energy, maintaining clarity and fluidity in execution.
Championship Snapshot
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Athlete | Antonella Belén Rocha Muñoz |
| Duo Partner | Hannah Navas |
| Championship | 2025 South American Rhythmic Gymnastics Championship |
| Dates | September 8 – 14, 2025 |
| Gold Medal Day | September 12, 2025 |
| Event Category | Senior Duo (Elite / Mayores) |
| Achievement | Gold medal for Peru |
| Location | Cochabamba, Bolivia |
| Themes | Faith, family support, resilience, national pride |
| Milestone | First DECAN-level rhythmic gold of this magnitude for Peru |
Significance for Peruvian Gymnastics
This gold medal marks a pivotal moment in Peru’s rhythmic gymnastics history. It positions the country more prominently in continental competitions and inspires younger gymnasts to aim higher.
For Rocha, the victory is not the culmination, but a stepping stone. Success at this level demands consistency, artistic creativity, and resilience under pressure.
The win also strengthens the argument for increased investment in coaching, sport infrastructure, performance psychology, and international exposure—all of which are essential to sustaining success on the world stage.
What Lies Ahead
For Rocha and her partner, the next goals will include performing at global events, honing routines with higher difficulty while maintaining artistry, and competing against the world’s elite.
As she continues, her faith, family, and disciplined training will remain central pillars.
For Peru’s sporting community, embracing this moment means building long-term support systems so more athletes can follow the same path.
The story of Antonella Belén Rocha Muñoz—“guided by faith and family”—resonates far beyond her gold medal.
In Cochabamba, she and her partner achieved not just a sporting victory, but a powerful example of how inner conviction and support systems fuel excellence.
Peru’s rhythmic gymnastics program now stands at a new threshold, energized by this breakthrough.
As Rocha ascends to new stages, her journey will continue to inspire athletes who carry faith, dedication, and family with them into every performance.
